The use of electronic books (eBooks) in
social science research
Richard Parker*
Danius Michaelides†
Huanji Yang†
Alex Frazer†
Luc Moreau†
Camille Szmaragd*
ZhengZheng Zhang*
Christopher Charlton*
William Browne*
*Centre for Multilevel Modelling,
University of Bristol, UK
†School of Electronics & Computer Science,
University of Southampton, UK
Stat-JR: to re-cap…
Template
Dataset
(If applicable) results outputted as dataset to be fed back in…
Template
Stat-JR
prompts user
for input
Dataset
myModel<- glm(normexam~
Summary(myModel)
plot(myModel,1)
Scripts
Macros
Stat-JR writes
commands, etc.,
to perform
requested
function
Select Open Worksheet
Select datafile.dta
Select Equations from Fi
Equations
Point & click
instructions
Function
performed
(If applicable)
external
software
opened, run,
then closed,
with results
returned to
Stat-JR. E.g…
Results of
function
produced
Results
Model:
DIC: 9766.506
Parameters:
Beta1: 0.594
Results
tables
Charts
Stat-JR’s eBook interface: DEEP
Documents with
Embedded
Execution and
Provenance
Embeds Stat-JR’s statistical functionality within a
‘traditional’ notebook…
No eBooks
loaded
yet…
…so we
first import
one…
Navigate through
pages of eBook
Hierarchical table of
contents (can be
expanded / collapsed at
each node)
Behind the scenes…
• The eBook author (me) has specified which StatJR template to associate with this region of the
eBook…
• …and has chosen one which creates plots via
(“PlotsViaR”).
• Templates require input, from a user, before they
can go ahead & perform the function
appropriately…
• …the eBook author can pre-specify inputs (by
writing them into the eBook code); any that are
not pre-specified are then left to the eBook
reader to complete.
(If applicable) results outputted as dataset to be fed back in…
Template
Stat-JR
prompts user
for input
Dataset
myModel<- glm(normexam~
Summary(myModel)
plot(myModel,1)
Scripts
Macros
Stat-JR: to re-cap…
Stat-JR writes
commands, etc.,
to perform
requested
function
Select Open Worksheet
Select datafile.dta
Select Equations from Fi
Equations
Point & click
instructions
Function
performed
(If applicable)
external
software
opened, run,
then closed,
with results
returned to
Stat-JR.
Results of
function
produced
Results
Model:
DIC: 9766.506
Parameters:
Beta1: 0.594
Results
tables
Charts
Behind the scenes…
• …the eBook author has associated relevant
model-fitting Stat-JR templates with this
region of the eBook…
• …and has pre-specified all of the inputs, bar
the explanatory variables, which are therefore
the only ones left to eBook reader to specify.
• Author has also specified what / where /
when the output resulting from a template’s
execution will be presented in the eBook…
(If applicable) results outputted as dataset to be fed back in…
Template
Stat-JR
prompts user
for input
Dataset
myModel<- glm(normexam~
Summary(myModel)
plot(myModel,1)
Scripts
Macros
Stat-JR: to re-cap…
Stat-JR writes
commands, etc.,
to perform
requested
function
Select Open Worksheet
Select datafile.dta
Select Equations from Fi
Equations
Point & click
instructions
Function
performed
(If applicable)
external
software
opened, run,
then closed,
with results
returned to
Stat-JR.
Results of
function
produced
Results
Model:
DIC: 9766.506
Parameters:
Beta1: 0.594
Results
tables
Charts
Content of text
returned is
conditional on
value of results
Stat-JR’s DEEP system:
Summary of features
• Built on Stat-JR’s powerful & flexible dataanalytical engine.
• Embeds inputs and outputs of Stat-JR’s
executable statistical functions within contextual
information.
• Tailoring & specificity: e.g. associating carefullychosen templates; pre-specifying inputs.
• Log / recording tool: behind-the-scenes, a
comprehensive record is kept of each execution.
Stat-JR’s DEEP system:
Benefits for the social science researcher?
• Teaching of quantitative social science research
methods (including inter-operating software).
• Communicating principles / theories / inviting
exploration of quantitative social science topics.
• Reports: transparency (e.g. access to embedded
dataset / analytical methods, etc); facilitates
multi-authored preparation.
• Tailored analytical techniques: pre-specifications
allow user to ‘cut to the chase’ and/or circumvent
software-specific learning curve.
…so how do I use them?
See http://www.bristol.ac.uk/cmm/research/estat/downloads/index.html …
…so how do I use them?
See http://www.bristol.ac.uk/cmm/research/estat/downloads/index.html …
for:
 Software download & installation instructions;
 eBook reading & authoring guidance;
 Example eBooks.
eBook authoring: is it easy?
 Depends what you want to do!
…eBook-writing tool can help set-up basic eBook structure
…although more sophisticated functionality will take time to implement.
 User Guides, and the example eBooks (which can open & look ‘under the
bonnet’), are there to help.
Any questions?
[email protected]