Quantifying gender preferences in human social interactions using a large cell phone dataset

Running head: RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Research Proposal
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RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Table of Contents
Title............................................................................................................................................2
Justification for the Research Topic...........................................................................................2
Research problem.......................................................................................................................3
Research questions.....................................................................................................................4
Hypotheses.................................................................................................................................4
Research plan.............................................................................................................................5
Methodology..........................................................................................................................5
Sampling................................................................................................................................5
Data collection.......................................................................................................................6
Data analysis plan..................................................................................................................6
References..................................................................................................................................7

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RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Title
Quantifying gender preferences in human social interactions using a large cell phone dataset
Justification for the Research Topic
Social interaction is a process that indicates a series of human actions between
individuals. It is important in the context of research in social sciences for it facilitates social
structures and culture. Empirical study of social interaction can provide useful insights to
microsociology.
With the evolution of human society, the forms and process of social interaction have
changed over time. More importantly, the introduction and incorporation of technology in the
said process have brought out novel characteristics of the process. Therefore, it is worth
assessing the transformed social structures and tendencies to understand the structure of
human society in the context of contemporary culture and practices.
Existing literature in the field suggest that social interaction has a crucial role to play
in the psychological wellbeing of individuals as it provides support and fosters strong
relations. It is derived from the researches that a strong network of social support contributes
positively to both physical and mental health of the individuals. However, it is a common
belief that this requirement of a support system is directly proportionate to age. This is not the
case. Having a strong support system is necessary for individuals irrespective of age.
Ridgeway and Smith-Lovin (1996) indicate in their research that gender has an
important role to play in the process of social interaction. This aspect has a contextual impact
on the process. People tend to conceptualize and frame the pattern of the interaction based on
the mental image and relation of the person at the other end of the communication. The