[Ias-public] The Institute for Analytical Sociology Seminar: Adel Daoud, February 6, 11:00, KO301

[Madelene Töpfer]

The Institute for Analytical Sociology Seminar

Venue: KO301 (3rd floor), Kopparhammaren 2, Norra Grytsgatan 10, Norrköping


Thursday February 6 @ 11:00

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The rise of machine learning in the social sciences: New opportunities and pitfalls

Adel Daoud
Harvard University



Abstract:
About two decades ago, the statistician Leo Breiman, identified two stylized cultures in the use of statistical modeling. The data modeling culture refers roughly to practices aiming to make unbiased inferences about one or several quantities of interest of a postulated statistical model. This culture is common in statistics, and the default in many applied disciplines of the natural and social sciences. Conversely, the algorithmic modeling culture aims to generate accurate predictions about certain aspects of a social system, and thus, it values less the statistical structure of models. This culture is the default in many avenues of engineering, computer science, and the industry. Nonetheless, today, in some strands of academia, these two cultures have been mixing intensely for a while, and thus, forming a fertile breeding ground for mutations of practices, consequently, giving birth to a hybrid modeling culture. One important trait of this culture is the erosion of boundaries between inference and prediction, with the ultimate goal of deepening scientific knowledge. So when the goal is causal inference, for example, this hybrid culture encourages scholars to use predictive models to impute potential outcomes directly, conditional on a stipulated data model (causal assumptions). This hybrid culture is far from being the default mode of scientific thinking, yet it offers an intriguing new path forward for the applied sciences in general. This talk focuses on how this hybrid culture infuses a shift in social science thinking.


The seminar is open for everyone. Coffee and tea is provided.


Best regards
Madelene Töpfer
Administrator

[Linköping University]
Institute for Analytical Sociology
S-601 74 Norrköping
Phone: +46 (0)11-36 32 91
Mobile: +46 (0)700 89 66 97
Visiting address: Kopparhammaren 7, Kungsgatan 56D, Campus Norrköping
Please visit us at liu.se<https://liu.se/>


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