10.01.2013
Professionalizing Data Science: Let's not blindly repeat history.
We're seeing a growing push for the professionalization of Data Science: drawing boundaries around the skills and practices that define the new field, with the goal of deciding exactly who is and isn't a "real" data scientist. Just google "What is a data scientist?" and you'll get dozens of blog posts and articles trying to come to grips with exactly this question.
At some level, this is a bit silly -- just a game of semantics and job titles. Who really cares if I call myself a "statistician," "business analyst," or "data scientist?" As long as I can do the work, it shouldn't matter.
AFAICT, the professionalization of data science is playing out in all the usual ways: For those of us who identify as data scientists, starting down the path of professionalization feels new, exciting, and uncertain. Maybe we're seeing the formation of a new professional identity -- or maybe the whole thing is going to fly apart. worries about shoddy practitioners, calls for codes of ethics, institutionalized education and credentialing. I can't tell yet if any of this is going to stick. I just know there's a lot of buzz and the possibility that we're at the start of something new and big.
 |
| Does that orange arrow remind anyone else of a devil's tail? |
Either way, I'd like to understand where we're headed, to shape the trends in constructive ways. With all that as background, I'm looking for books that tell the history of professions -- how a given circle of people came to be accepted as experts in a given domain. If something of the kind is happening with "Data Science," I don't want to be doomed to repeat history.
So far, I've got Schudson's Discovering the News (about journalism), and Lemann's The Big Test (about psychology and academic admissions). Yes, the second one is a bit of a stretch -- this is why I'm asking for help!
What other books would you recommend? For example, I'd love to read a good, textured history of the AMA, the bar, or teacher's unions. Theory-oriented stuff from sociology or econ would be interesting, too, as long as it's not too stuffy. Ideas?
Questions of interest:
- For each field, how did the boundaries get drawn? For example, why do we regard dentists differently from doctors?
- Who were the major drivers behind professionalization in each field? What were the factions within each movement?
- At what point did the field come to share a common identity?
- Are there typical stages that professionalization follows?
- etc.
I'm open to other questions as well. These are just for starters.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I like the cartoon. So here in Maryland I work as a business analyst, but I guess if I moved to California I'd become a data scientist.
ReplyDeleteI personally think that professionalizing the position of data scientist would not serve many purposes:
1 - Since it is a sector that relies on technology, which changes so quickly, the skill set put into place to define what a "real" data scientist is would fairly quickly become outdated. This would be made even worse by the fact that changing the requirements would usually requires to different players (i.e. universities, professional associations...) to reach some type of universal agreement.
2 - Codes of ethics / shoddy practitioners: would professionalization solve anything? I mean you are either honest or you're not. It's not some type of class that will teach you honesty. Maybe Bernard Madoff aced all his business ethics classes, in the end he is still a crook.
It's funny you talked about semantics and job titles. I was reading an article about the best-payed software engineers (http://www.wired.com/wiredenterprise/2013/10/salaries/) and in the comment section the discussion quickly turned to the difference between a software engineer, programmer and architect.
I think at the end of the day, it's all about what you can do, not what your job title is.
I've been itching for someone to ask for a historical/sociological perspective on this live (if inane) debate.
ReplyDeleteI've got you right here: http://www.amazon.com/The-System-Professions-Division-Expert/dp/0226000699
It trades in sociological theory but the ideas are pretty on-point (read: professional requirements = boundary maintenance) and it has three case studies, including the "information professions".
Would love to see a follow up post on the Strata blog once you've done your research. =)
@Alexis - At an individual level, I completely agree that ability trumps semantics -- just get the job done, and the title doesn't really matter.
ReplyDeleteAt a group level, professions have a way of taking on a life of their own. If you want to "practice law," you have to go to law school, pass the bar, and (usually) be hired by a law firm. Those barriers didn't always exist, but they put serious constraints on the practice today.
Nothing of the kind exists yet in data science, but I'm seeing stirrings of it. To your point about technology -- I suspect this actually cuts the other direction. The fact that data-centric technologies are under active development means that it's increasingly hard for laymen to participate. I've just finished reading "The Age of Edison," about the mass-marketing of electric lighting, and there's a fascinating set of chapters on how electricians formed a profession -- right in the middle of very active technological innovation around lighting.
@Juan-Pablo - You're the third person to recommend Abbott; I guess I'll need to cave and buy it. What other questions do you think need to be asked?
ReplyDeleteIn this procedure, Data researcher needs to recognize and move the information from various sources into their Data Science condition after that they run the analysis. data science course in pune
ReplyDeleteI was blown out after viewing the article which you have shared over here. So I just wanted to express my opinion on Data Science, as this is best trending medium to promote or to circulate the updates, happenings, knowledge sharing.. Aspirants & professionals are keeping a close eye on Data science course in Mumbai to equip it as their primary skill.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteAttend The Digital Marketing Courses in Bangalore From ExcelR. Practical Digital Marketing Courses in Bangalore Sessions With Assured Placement Support From Experienced Faculty. ExcelR Offers The Digital Marketing Courses in Bangalore.
Digital Marketing training in Bangalore
Great Article
DeleteArtificial Intelligence Projects
Project Center in Chennai
JavaScript Training in Chennai
JavaScript Training in Chennai
Nice Post...I have learn some new information.thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteExcelR data analytics course in Pune | business analytics course | data scientist course in Pune
Attend The Data Analytics Courses From ExcelR. Practical Data Analytics Courses Sessions With Assured Placement Support From Experienced Faculty. ExcelR Offers The Data Analytics Courses.
ReplyDeleteExcelR Data Analytics Courses
Such a very useful article. I have learn some new information.thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletedata scientist course in mumbai
Excellent Blog! I would like to thank for the efforts you have made in writing this post.
ReplyDeletedata science course
Excelr is providing emerging & trending technology training, such as for data science, Machine learning, Artificial Intelligence, AWS, Tableau, Digital Marketing. Excelr is standing as a leader in providing quality training on top demanding technologies in 2019. Excelr`s versatile training is making a huge difference all across the globe. Enable ?business analytics? skills in you, and the trainers who were delivering training on these are industry stalwarts. Get certification on "data science course in india" and get trained with Excelr.
ReplyDeleteI am really enjoying reading your well written articles. It looks like you spend a lot of effort and time on your blog. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteanalytics certification
Nice Article...Very interesting to read this article. I have learn some new information.thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteClick here
Great post i must say and thanks for the information. Education is definitely a sticky subject. However, is still among the leading topics of our time. I appreciate your post and look forward to more.
ReplyDeleteExcelR data science
This is also a very good post which I really enjoyed reading. It is not every day that I have the possibility to see something like this..
ReplyDeleteExcelR data analytics
I am looking for and I love to post a comment that "The content of your post is awesome" Great work! excelr data science
ReplyDeleteAwesome..I read this post so nice and very imformative information...thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteClick here for data science course
Attend The PMP Certification From ExcelR. Practical PMP Certification Sessions With Assured Placement Support From Experienced Faculty. ExcelR Offers The PMP Certification.
ReplyDeleteExcelR PMP Certification
Awesome blog. I enjoyed reading your articles. This is truly a great read for me. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteExcelR data analytics courses
I just got to this amazing site not long ago. I was actually captured with the piece of resources you have got here. Big thumbs up for making such wonderful blog page!
ReplyDeleteExcelR Data Analytics Course
Great post i must say and thanks for the information. Education is definitely a sticky subject. However, is still among the leading topics of our time. I appreciate your post and look forward to more.
ReplyDeletedata science course in mumbai
Nice information, valuable and excellent work, as share good stuff with good ideas and concepts, lots of great information and inspiration, both of which I need, thanks to offer such a helpful information here. data science course
ReplyDeleteExcellent Blog! I would like to thank for the efforts you have made in writing this post. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well. I wanted to thank you for this websites! Thanks for sharing. Great websites!
ReplyDeletePlease check ExcelR Data Science Certification
Thanks for the informative and helpful post, obviously in your blog everything is good.. ExcelR Data Scientist Courses In Pune
ReplyDeleteThis post is very simple to read and appreciate without leaving any details out. Great work!
ReplyDeletePlease check ExcelR Data Science Courses
This is a wonderful article, Given so much info in it, These type of articles keeps the users interest in the website, and keep on sharing more ... good luck.… data science courses
ReplyDeleteThis post is very simple to read and appreciate without leaving any details out. Great work! data science course
ReplyDeleteIt's late finding this act. At least, it's a thing to be familiar with that there are such events exist. I agree with your Blog and I will be back to inspect it more in the future so please keep up your act.
ReplyDeleteExcelR Data Analytics Course
Data Science Interview Questions
I feel very grateful that I read this. It is very helpful and very informative and I really learned a lot from it.
ReplyDeletedata science course in mumbai
data science interview questions
Awesome blog. I enjoyed reading your articles. This is truly a great read for me. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeletedata analytics course mumbai
data science interview questions
cool stuff you have and you keep overhaul every one of us
ReplyDeletedata analytics courses
Data analytics Interview Questions
I have to search sites with relevant information on given topic and provide them to teacher our opinion and the article.
ReplyDeletedata analytics courses
data science interview questions
business analytics courses
data science course in mumbai
I have to search sites with relevant information on given topic and provide them to teacher our opinion and the article.
ReplyDeletedata analytics courses
data science interview questions
business analytics courses
data science course in mumbai
This is a wonderful article, Given so much info in it, Thanks for sharing. CodeGnan offers courses in new technologies and makes sure students understand the flow of work from each and every perspective in a Real-Time environmen python training in vijayawada. , data scince training in vijayawada . , java training in vijayawada. ,
ReplyDeleteI have to search sites with relevant information on given topic and provide them to teacher our opinion and the article.
ReplyDeletePedodontics
Such a very useful post. Very interesting to read this blog.I would like to thank you for the efforts you had made for writing this awesome blog.
ReplyDeleteData Science Training in Houston, TX
This is a wonderful article, Given so much info in it, Thanks for sharing. CodeGnan offers courses in new technologies and makes sure students understand the flow of work from each and every perspective in a Real-Time environmen python training in vijayawada. , data scince training in vijayawada . , java training in vijayawada. ,
ReplyDeleteI am genuinely thankful to the holder of this web page who has shared this wonderful paragraph at at this place
ReplyDeletedata science course
360DigiTMG
Mmm.. good to be here in your article or post, whatever, I think I should also work hard for my own website like I see some good and updated working in your site.
ReplyDeletedata science course
360DigiTMG
The information provided on the site is informative. Looking forward more such blogs. Thanks for sharing .
ReplyDeleteArtificial Inteligence course in Surat
AI Course in Surat
Your work is particularly good, and I appreciate you and hopping for some more informative posts
ReplyDeleteKnow more about Data Analytics
Attend The PMP Certification From ExcelR. Practical PMP Certification Sessions With Assured Placement Support From Experienced Faculty. ExcelR Offers The PMP Certification.
ReplyDeletePMP Certification
I have express a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style of blogging. I added it to my favorite’s blog site list and will be checking back soon…
ReplyDeleteMore Info of Machine Learning
Very interesting blog. Many blogs I see these days do not really provide anything that attracts others, but believe me the way you interact is literally awesome.You can also check my articles as well.
ReplyDeleteData Science In Banglore With Placements
Data Science Course In Bangalore
Data Science Training In Bangalore
Best Data Science Courses In Bangalore
Data Science Institute In Bangalore
Thank you..
Machine Learning Courses in Pune I really enjoy reading and also appreciate your work.
ReplyDeleteJust saying thanks will not just be sufficient, for the fantasti c lucidity in your writing. I will instantly grab your rss feed to stay informed of any updates.<a href="https://www.excelr.com/business-analytics-training-in-pune/”> Courses in Business Analytics</a>
ReplyDeleteVery nice article, I enjoyed reading your post, very nice share, I want to twit this to my followers. Thanks!.
Attend The Data Analyst Course From ExcelR. Practical Data Analyst Course Sessions With Assured Placement Support From Experienced Faculty. ExcelR Offers The Data Analyst Course.
ReplyDeleteData Analyst Course
I wanted to leave a little comment to support you and wish you a good continuation. Wishing you the best of luck for all your blogging efforts.
ReplyDeleteData Analytics Course Pune wow... what a great blog, this writter who wrote this article it's realy a great blogger, this article so inspiring me to be a better person in some of them hope you will give more information on this topics in your next articles.
Attend The Artificial Intelligence course From ExcelR. Practical Artificial Intelligence course Sessions With Assured Placement Support From Experienced Faculty. ExcelR Offers The Artificial Intelligence course.
ReplyDeleteArtificial Intelligence Course
Amazing Article ! I would like to thank you for the efforts you had made for writing this awesome article. This article inspired me to read more. keep it up.
ReplyDeleteCorrelation vs Covariance
Simple Linear Regression
data science interview questions
KNN Algorithm
Logistic Regression explained
Your work is very good, and I appreciate you and hopping for some more informative posts
ReplyDelete<a href="https://www.excelr.com/business-analytics-training-in-pune/”> Courses in Business Analytics </a>
I am always searching online for articles that can help me. There is obviously a lot to know about this. I think you made some good points in Features also. Keep working, great job !
Its as if you had a great grasp on the subject matter, but you forgot to include your readers. Perhaps you should think about this from more than one angle.
ReplyDeletebusiness analytics certification
Amazing Article ! I would like to thank you for the efforts you had made for writing this awesome article. This article inspired me to read more. keep it up.
ReplyDeleteSimple Linear Regression
Correlation vs covariance
data science interview questions
KNN Algorithm
Logistic Regression explained
There is no dearth of Data Science course syllabus or resources. Learn the advanced data science course concepts and get your skills upgraded from the pioneers in Data Science.
ReplyDeletedata science course bangalore
data science course syllabus
data science training in marathahalli
very well explained. I would like to thank you for the efforts you had made for writing this awesome article. This article inspired me to read more. keep it up.
ReplyDeleteLogistic Regression explained
Correlation vs Covariance
Simple Linear Regression
data science interview questions
KNN Algorithm
Very nice blogs!!! i have to learning for lot of information for this sites…Sharing for wonderful information.Thanks for sharing this valuable information to our vision. You have posted a trust worthy blog keep sharing, data sciecne course in hyderabad
ReplyDeleteVery nice blogs!!! i have to learning for lot of information for this sites…Sharing for wonderful information.Thanks for sharing this valuable information to our vision. You have posted a trust worthy blog keep sharing, data sciecne course in hyderabad
ReplyDeleteVery nice blogs!!! i have to learning for lot of information for this sites…Sharing for wonderful information.Thanks for sharing this valuable information to our vision. You have posted a trust worthy blog keep sharing, data sciecne course in hyderabad
ReplyDeletevery well explained .I would like to thank you for the efforts you had made for writing this awesome article. This article inspired me to read more. keep it up.
ReplyDeleteSimple Linear Regression
Correlation vs covariance
data science interview questions
KNN Algorithm
Logistic Regression explained
I enjoyed your blog Thanks for sharing such an informative post. We are also providing the best services click on below links to visit our website.data science courses
ReplyDeleteNice content and interesting blog. Join 360digitmg for the data scientist course.
ReplyDeletehttps://360digitmg.com/data-science-course-training-in-hyderabad
Very interesting content
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting
Artificial intelligence course
I've read this post and if I could I desire to suggest you some interesting things or suggestions. Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article. I want to read more things about it!
ReplyDeletedata scientist courses
Very informative content and intresting blog post.Data science training in Mumbai
ReplyDeleteThis is a good post. This post gives truly quality information. I’m definitely going to look into it. Really very useful tips are provided here. Thank you so much. Keep up the good works ExcelR Business Analytics Courses
ReplyDeletei am glad to discover this page : i have to thank you for the time i spent on this especially great reading !! i really liked each part and also bookmarked you for new information on your site.
ReplyDeleteData Scientist Course
I Want to leave a little comment to support and wish you the best of luck.we wish you the best of luck in all your blogging endeavors.Business Analytics course in bangalore
ReplyDeleteI Want to leave a little comment to support and wish you the best of luck.we wish you the best of luck in all your blogging endeavors.
ReplyDeleteBusiness Analytics Course in Bangalore
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI want to leave a little comment to support and wish you the best of luck.we wish you the best of luck in all your blogging enedevors.
ReplyDeleteData Analytics Courses in Bangalore
Aivivu - đại lý chuyên vé máy bay trong nước và quốc tế
ReplyDeleteđặt vé máy bay từ trung quốc về việt nam
vé máy bay hà nội sài gòn rẻ nhất
vé máy bay huế hà nội vietjet
giá vé máy bay đi Huế
ve may bay di quy nhon
If it's not too much trouble share more like that. ExcelR Data Analytics Course
ReplyDeleteGreat post i must say and thanks for the information. Education is definitely a sticky subject. However, is still among the leading topics of our time. I appreciate your post and look forward to more.
ReplyDeleteData Analytics courses
Great post i must say and thanks for the information. Education is definitely a sticky subject. However, is still among the leading topics of our time. I appreciate your post and look forward to more.
ReplyDeleteData Analytics courses
Awesome blog. I enjoyed reading your articles. This is truly a great read for me. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteData Analyst course
I like viewing web sites which comprehend the price of delivering the excellent useful resource free of charge. I truly adored reading your posting. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteData Analyst course
I feel very grateful that I read this. It is very helpful and very informative and I really learned a lot from it.
ReplyDeletebusiness analytics course in delhi
I feel very grateful that I read this. It is very helpful and very informative and I really learned a lot from it.
ReplyDeletebusiness analytics course in delhi
I feel very grateful that I read this. It is very helpful and very informative and I really learned a lot from it.
ReplyDeleteExcelR - Data Science, Data Analytics Course Training in Bangalore
address:49, 1st Cross, 27th Main, Behind Tata Motors, 1st Stage, BTM Layout, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560068
Phone: 096321 56744
enquiry@excelr.com
Really nice and interesting post. I was looking for this kind of information and enjoyed reading this one. Keep posting. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteExcelR - Data Science, Data Analytics Course Training in Bangalore
address:49, 1st Cross, 27th Main, Behind Tata Motors, 1st Stage, BTM Layout, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560068
Phone: 096321 56744
enquiry@excelr.com
I really enjoy simply reading all of your weblogs. Simply wanted to inform you that you have people like me who appreciate your work. Definitely a great post. Hats off to you! The information that you have provided is very helpful.
ReplyDeleteExcelR - Data Science, Data Analytics Course Training in Bangalore
address:49, 1st Cross, 27th Main, Behind Tata Motors, 1st Stage, BTM Layout, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560068
Phone: 096321 56744
enquiry@excelr.com
I finally found great post here.I will get back here. I just added your blog to my bookmark sites. thanks.Quality posts is the crucial to invite the visitors to visit the web page, that's what this web page is providing.
ReplyDeleteExcelR - Data Science, Data Analytics Course Training in Bangalore
address:49, 1st Cross, 27th Main, Behind Tata Motors, 1st Stage, BTM Layout, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560068
Phone: 096321 56744
enquiry@excelr.com
Great blog post and thanks for expressing in way humor way that it doesn't matter what you called yourself,"statistician," "business analyst," or "data scientist?" As long as I can do the work, it shouldn't matter.
ReplyDeletevisit us: Data Analytics Course in Roorkee
thank you for showing how to proffesionlize data science. Visit us: Data Science Course in meerut
ReplyDeleteThanks this article gives more information on data science fundamentals.
ReplyDeleteVisit us:Data Science Course in Rohtak
Thanks for always being willing to lend a hand to provide the best knowledge.
ReplyDeletedigital marketing courses
Cool stuff you have and you keep overhaul every one of us
ReplyDeletepmp certification in bangalore
I like viewing web sites which comprehend the price of delivering the excellent useful resource free of charge. I truly adored reading your posting. Thank you!
ReplyDeletebest data science institute in hyderabad
Your work is very good and I appreciate you and hopping for some more informative posts.
ReplyDeletedata science course in malaysia
This post is very simple to read and appreciate without leaving any details out. Great work!
ReplyDeletedata scientist certification malaysia
After reading your article I was amazed. I know that you explain it very well. And I hope that other readers will also experience how I feel after reading your article.
ReplyDeletedata science training