This book offers a much needed critical introduction to data mining and 'big data'. Supported by multiple case studies and examples, the authors provide: Digestible overviews of key terms and concepts relevant to using social media data in quantitative research. A critical review of data mining and 'big data' from a complexity science perspective, including its future potential and limitations A practical exploration of the challenges of putting together and managing a 'big data' database An evaluation of the core mathematical and conceptual frameworks, grounded in a case-based computational modeling perspective, which form the foundations of all data mining techniques Part of The SAGE Quantitative Research Kit, this book will give you the know-how and confidence needed to succeed on your quantitative research journey.