Critical Data Studies - by Rob Kitchin

Book Synopsis

Critical Data Studies has come of age as a vibrant, interdisciplinary field of study. Taking data as its primary analytical focus, the field theorises the nature of data; examines how data are produced, managed, governed and shared; investigates how they are used to make sense of the world and to perform practical action; and explores whose agenda data-driven systems serve.

This book is the first comprehensive A-Z guide to the concepts and methods of Critical Data Studies, providing succinct definitions and descriptions of over 400 key terms, along with suggested further reading. The book enables readers to quickly navigate and improve their comprehension of the field, while also acting as a guide for discovering ideas and methods that will be of value in their own studies.

Critical Data Studies is essential reading for students and scholars from across the sciences, social sciences and humanities, as well as those who work with data professionally who want to extend and enrich their conceptual and practical understanding of data and their use.


This will be available as an Open Access book.

Review Quotes

"Provides an essential reference point for the field of Critical Data Studies. Kitchin's explanations are clear, concise, and illuminating: an excellent scoping of the field."
Linnet Taylor, Tilburg University

"Maps the conceptual terrain of Critical Data Studies, guiding researchers through the field and offering a roadmap for future studies. Providing meaningful and succinct definitions for everything from "abduction" to "zombie data", this book is a great resource for students and scholars and for anyone seeking an understanding of the field's complexities."
Matthew Zook, University of Kentucky

About the Author

Rob Kitchin is a professor in the Maynooth University Social Sciences Institute.