Big Data

Treadwell, D. (2013). Big Data. In Introducing communication research: Paths of inquiry. (pp. 287-306), Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Summary

This chapter describes the difference between human-generated and machine-generated data.  It also helps the reader differentiate the difference between Big Data, machine-learning, data science, and data analytics.  There are good examples in the chapter of how researchers can evaluate Big Data as well as a discussion of the ethical issues related to using Big Data.

Experience

I don’t have any particular experience using Big Data, but it is a major focus of my organization.  What this chapter did help me with is giving me a language to better discuss Big Data with my colleagues who are more deeply involved with it.

KEYWORDS: Big Data, human-generated, machine-generated, machine-learning, data science, data analytics, metadata, algorithms, volume, velocity, variety, veracity, variability, value, cloud, privacy.