DataPoll: A Tool Facilitating Big Data Research in Social Sciences

Abstract

The computational analysis of big data has revolutionized social science research, offering unprecedented insights into societal behaviors and trends through digital data from online sources. However, existing tools often face limitations such as technical complexity, single-source dependency, and a narrow range of analytical capabilities, hindering accessibility and effectiveness. This article introduces DataPoll, an end-to-end big data analysis platform designed to democratize computational social science research. DataPoll simplifies data collection, analysis, and visualization, making advanced analytics accessible to researchers of diverse expertise. It supports multisource data integration, innovative analytical features, and interactive dashboards for exploratory and comparative analyses. By fostering collaboration and enabling the integration of new data sources and analysis methods, DataPoll represents a significant advancement in the field. A comprehensive case study on the Ukrainian - Russian conflict demonstrates its capabilities, showcasing how DataPoll can yield actionable insights into complex social phenomena. This tool empowers researchers to harness the potential of big data for impactful and inclusive research.