Valuation
The CDSP has developed recognised expertise in promoting social science methods, closely connected to its activities in data production, curation – documentation, anonymisation and metadata – and data dissemination.
Methods and valuation: Expertise at the Heart of the CDSP’s Activities
This cross-cutting expertise helps enhance the visibility of the Centre’s work while fostering in-depth reflection on the methodological dimensions of social science research.
It is reflected in a strategy built around methodological research, scientific publications, training and the organisation of events, with the aim of sharing knowledge and supporting research practices.
A Strong Focus on Methodological Research
Since becoming a Research Support Unit (UAR) in 2021, the CDSP has expanded its work in methodological research, following an approach similar to that of other European centres such as GESIS and FORS. This focus provides a better understanding of the challenges associated with data collection, production, curation and dissemination, as well as data reuse.
Projects led by the CDSP address issues including:
- challenges related to data production (how can data be anonymised so that they can be shared?);
- the conditions that enable research data to be shared and disseminated, from documentation (DEMC journal) to anonymisation and data provision (ETAPSS);
- issues surrounding data production and sharing (DataV).
An Integrated Research Dissemination Strategy
The CDSP’s expertise in research dissemination is reflected in a comprehensive and coordinated strategy aimed at promoting methodological knowledge and research practices. It draws on several initiatives:
- Organisation of events, including Data SHS Week, seminars and the annual ELIPSS meetings. Data SHS Week, organised in collaboration with the Plateformes Universitaires de Données (PUD), offers a series of conferences, presentations, workshops and training sessions designed to raise awareness within the scientific community of the importance of data and methods in the social sciences and humanities.
- Teaching and training in research methods, particularly qualitative methods, and open science, for students and research professionals.
- Teaching kits for research methods education.
- Scientific publications and practical guides, for example on disciplinary issues surrounding open research data.
- Publication of the DEMC journal – Données, Expériences, Méthodes, Codes – which aims to make the processes involved in producing research findings more visible and transparent.
- Project leadership, including ETAPSS and DataV. ETAPSS examines how confidentiality and anonymisation issues are addressed in articles published in social science journals. DataV provides insights into French and European politics through social science data. The website provides access to datasets and customisable data visualisation tools.
- ELIPSS Focus (Guillaume GARCIA): ELIPSS Focus highlights key findings from ELIPSS surveys. Drawing on a selection of annotated charts and concise analyses, this format aims to make research data more visible and accessible while demonstrating their potential to shed light on contemporary issues.