Sociology in the Context of the «Big Data» Challenge: the Role of Data Mining in the Development of New Approaches to Sociological Research

Abstract

This article deals with analysis of the challenges faced by sociology in connection with a wide spread of Big Data – large-scale, ever-changing and presented in various formats of digital data. It is shown that the avalanche-like spread of Big Data has led to new ways of scientific knowledge and formation of «the fourth paradigm of science», involving the use of automated methods and tools for Data Mining as essential components. The main problems faced by sociology in connection with the emergence of Big Data are identified. Among them are the following: «the end of the theory», crisis of the polling method, the birth of a new methodology of sociological research as the basis for the formation of digital sociology and requirement for the extension of competences of sociologists in digital methods, including Data Mining.