As part of West Virginia University Research Week 2024, the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences will host “Machine Learning in Social Science Research” at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, in Mountainlair Gluck Theatre.
Machine learning, with roots dating back to the mid-20th century, has garnered heightened attention in recent years. While its techniques have long been adopted in social science research, often implicitly embedded within statistical analyses, machine learning has become more visible in light of rapid technological advancements and increased computational capacities.
The guest lecturer is Susumu Shikano, professor of political methodology in the Department of Politics and Public Administration at the University of Konstanz, Germany. His presentation will explore the historical development of machine learning techniques in social science research.
Following a historical overview, the lecture will offer insights into how recent advancements, such as deep learning and large language models, are affecting the current landscape of social sciences.
“Machine learning techniques are becoming an increasingly powerful tool for a wide range of scholarly activities,” said Duncan Lorimer, associate dean for research at the Eberly College. “I hope that by highlighting applications in the social sciences, this talk will stimulate further interest in this area among students and faculty.”
Light refreshments will be served at 3 p.m.
The University’s sixth annual Research Week will be held April 1-5. A slate of activities, events and workshops will be held during the week to showcase research efforts and to celebrate those who help elevate WVU as a premier R1 institution.
If interested in hosting or promoting an event for Research Week, go to https://researchweek.wvu.edu/.