Metadata, say what?Jesse Blum, 1 July 2008, 1430-1500

Abstract Social science generates and uses an enormous amount of statistical data. Many actors are involved in data collection and storage processes including governments, institutions, organisations and researchers. Assumptions are made about what the data represents and what is common knowledge. In order to improve data management and exchange, the data needs to be described, which is exactly what metadata does.

In this talk we will explore the way that metadata has developed for social science and describe the uses it can be put to. We will also examine emerging social science metadata standards and tool support for those standards. Finally we will present a vision for e-social science research supported by pervasive use of metadata.