About Us

The Centre for Computational and Quantitative Social Science (CCQSS) is located in Political Science in the Faculty of Social Science. Faculty Associates will be drawn from a number of Academic Units within the Social Sciences – namely Geography, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, and Economics.

Across disciplinary boundaries, one of the fundamental factors that defines our work is the methodological approach we adopt. We conceive of quantitative methodology in quite broad terms to include means for both data collection and quantitative analysis. Among social scientists quantitative methodology is growing in importance. Héroux-Legault (2017) shows that among Political Scientists, the use of quantitative methods is on the rise over the past 10 years as Canadian scholarship starts to move in the direction of its other North American counterparts. Other fields, like Psychology and Economics are likely already in methodological lock step their other North American counterparts.

The main goal of the CCQSS is to allow for the cross-pollination of methodological techniques (both in terms of data collection and statistical analysis) used across disciplines.

The CCQSS also hosts MapleMeth, an annual regional methodology conference that brings together quantitative scholars from across Canada and around the world.

The primary objective of the Computational and Quantitative Social Science is to build on Western’s established research strengths in order to develop a national centre of research excellence the use and development of quantitative social science methodology.

CCQSS will do this in three distinct ways:

1. It will provide a space (both physical and intellectual) where methodological ideas can be discussed and approaches debated;
2. It will actively contribute to the production of research on best practices for using quantitative methods;
3. It will promote multi-disciplinary exchange and collaboration among Faculty, students, and policy practitioners.

The Centre for Computational and Quantiative Social Science (CCQSS) is located in Political Science in the Faculty of Social Science on the 7th Floor. CCQSS was previously housed under the Network for Economic and Social Trends (NEST) until 2025.

For inquiries, please contact:
Matt Lebo, Centre Director
Phone: 519 661-2111 x88562
Email: matthew.lebo@uwo.ca / ccqss@uwo.ca