Priorities for Social Science Computing: A Survey of Leading-Edge Practitioners

Abstract

This paper presents priorities for social science computing as identified by a survey of leading edge practitioners at the Conference on Advanced Computing in the Social Sciences held April 10-12, 1990 in Williamsburg, Virginia. Respondents gave top priority to "very large databases" and "friendlier interfaces"—priorities of concern outside the social sciences as well. They called for increased attention to funding and to personal recognition for computing work. They also voted strongly against proposals involving "great leaps forward." Keywords: social science computing priorities, interfaces, digital databases, career incentives.