Vibe Coding: An Introduction for Social Scientists - Online

Description:

The proliferation of digital data and devices has enabled social scientists to collect, store, manage, manipulate, and interpret data in multifarious ways. Researchers frequently need to access online data sources, such as social media platforms, and present their analysis on the web through interactive dashboards and visualisations. Traditionally, developing these digital systems has required technical programming skills that take years to master. This hands-on course introduces an emerging alternative: “vibe coding”. 

Vibe coding is the practice of generating code by prompting an AI system through natural language. Rather than writing code line-by-line, participants will learn how to interact with Large Language Models (LLMs) to generate, test, and debug code. Designed specifically for social science researchers with zero technical or programming background, this course focuses on transferable skills rather than tying participants to a single platform. While a specific AI coding platform will be used for practical exercises, the course primarily introduces foundational concepts and adaptable, ‘future-proof’ strategies needed to confidently explore and integrate new generative AI tools as the technological landscape rapidly evolves. 

Participants will learn how to map their existing research methodologies into manageable computational workflows. Crucially, the course explores not just how to use these technologies, but when tasks can be justifiably and safely delegated to AI, and when they should not be. Through interactive live demonstrations and flexible hands-on workshops, participants will practice using AI to build custom research tools from scratch. 

Beyond practical application, the course places a strong emphasis on the ethics and data security concerns of using LLMs for generating code. Participants will learn how to set up AI-assisted coding environments and critically evaluate the methodological and ethical implications of embedding AI-generated code into their research processes. No prior coding experience is required.

PLEASE NOTE THIS COURSE IS BEING TAUGHT OVER TWO MORNINGS AND EQUATES TO ONE TEACHING DAY FOR PAYMENT PURPOSES.

Cost:

The fee per teaching day is £60 per day for students / £150 per day for staff working for academic institutions, Research Councils and other recognised research institutions, registered charity organisations and the public sector / £350 per day for all other participants. In the event of cancellation by the delegate a full refund of the course fee is available up to two weeks prior to the course. NO refunds are available after this date. If it is no longer possible to run a course due to circumstances beyond its control, NCRM reserves the right to cancel the course at its sole discretion at any time prior to the event. In this event every effort will be made to reschedule the course. If this is not possible or the new date is inconvenient a full refund of the course fee will be given. NCRM shall not be liable for any costs, losses or expenses that may be incurred as a result of its cancellation of a course, including but not limited to any travel or accommodation costs. The University of Southampton’s Online Store T&Cs also continue to apply.

Website and registration:

Register for this course

Region:

North West

Keywords:

Frameworks for Research and Research Designs, Data Collection, Data Collection (other), Vibe Coding

Related publications and presentations from our eprints archive:

Frameworks for Research and Research Designs
Data Collection
Data Collection (other)

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