On the Application of Log Data in Quantitative Media Studies

Abstract

　With the spread of information and communication technology, various

forms of log data are constantly being accumulated. In this article, the author

examines the use of log data in quantitative media studies.

　　First, in the context of the growing amount of social focus on log data, or

big data, the author offers a general view of computational social science, which

has been proposed as a field of research that uses big data in social science

research. The author also examines the relationship between computational

social science and media studies. Based on this, the author outlines the problem

of how the approach of computational social science alone is insufficient on the

basis of concern regarding media studies. Finally, as a solution to these problems,

the author introduces case studies of a comprehensive analytical approach

that tie together statistical social survey data and log data.