Tangled mess or constructive tension knot? Unravelling the methodological complexities of studying, participating in, and evaluating digital good efforts
Anissa Tanweer spent a decade studying and intervening upon efforts to use cross-disciplinary data science projects for societal benefit, first as an embedded ethnographer and later as the lead organizer in the University of Washington Data Science for Social Good Program.
Her fellowship project will explore how such dual perspectives can amplify impact and deepen understanding, but also challenge certain ethical and epistemic commitments.
The result will be actionable guidance for other engaged scholars navigating similar complexities in efforts to bring about “digital good.” In collaboration with Gina Neff, Anissa will develop methodological tactics for addressing issues such as: how to become a meaningful participant in technology development while retaining intellectual and moral autonomy; how to protect collaborators and interlocutors from harm while still being forthright about the problematics of working in technology development; and how to meaningfully evaluate the “good” in digital systems.
