Big data is the new "big thing". A good book here to get a basic understanding about what is going on with it.
The one word chapter titles give you a good idea of what to expect in the book: Now, More, Messy, Correlation, Datafication, Value, Implications, Risks, Control and Next.
I took some online courses relating to Big Data before I read the book. I think the authors did a good job explaining the subject, without getting into too much detail. I kind of wish I had read the book BEFORE I took the courses. It would have given me a helpful overview/perspective.
The "distinction" made between correlation and causation is one of the most useful parts of the book if you ask me.
I did not like the last chapter or so of the book all that much though. I thought the text there was a bit preachy and too full of the authors' "personal opinions" and tended towards conclusions that were less certain than the authors would have you believe.
That being said, I did agree that using Big Data to create a society like that in MINORITY REPORT would be a very bad thing. However, using it to predict whether potential parolees would commit serious crimes if let out and denying parole if the chance of them committing further crime was high is not the same thing - they have been convicted of a crime and getting out of prison early is not really a right, but more of a privilege.
Overall, I thought the book was well done and do recommend it.
The one word chapter titles give you a good idea of what to expect in the book: Now, More, Messy, Correlation, Datafication, Value, Implications, Risks, Control and Next.
I took some online courses relating to Big Data before I read the book. I think the authors did a good job explaining the subject, without getting into too much detail. I kind of wish I had read the book BEFORE I took the courses. It would have given me a helpful overview/perspective.
The "distinction" made between correlation and causation is one of the most useful parts of the book if you ask me.
I did not like the last chapter or so of the book all that much though. I thought the text there was a bit preachy and too full of the authors' "personal opinions" and tended towards conclusions that were less certain than the authors would have you believe.
That being said, I did agree that using Big Data to create a society like that in MINORITY REPORT would be a very bad thing. However, using it to predict whether potential parolees would commit serious crimes if let out and denying parole if the chance of them committing further crime was high is not the same thing - they have been convicted of a crime and getting out of prison early is not really a right, but more of a privilege.
Overall, I thought the book was well done and do recommend it.
