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3D Social Research: Analysis of Social Interaction Using Computer Vision

Author

Listed:
  • Yoav Goldstein
  • Nicolas M. Legewie
  • Doron Shiffer-Sebba

Abstract

Video data offer important insights into social processes because they enable direct observation of real-life social interaction. Though such data have become abundant and increasingly accessible, they pose challenges to scalability and measurement. Computer vision (CV), i.e., software-based automated analysis of visual material, can help address these challenges, but existing CV tools are not sufficiently tailored to analyze social interactions. We describe our novel approach, “3D social research†(3DSR), which uses CV and 3D camera footage to study kinesics and proxemics, two core elements of social interaction. Using eight videos of a scripted interaction and five real-life street scene videos, we demonstrate how 3DSR expands sociologists’ analytical toolkit by facilitating a range of scalable and precise measurements. We specifically emphasize 3DSR's potential for analyzing physical distance, movement in space, and movement rate – important aspects of kinesics and proxemics in interactions. We also assess data reliability when using 3DSR.

Suggested Citation

  • Yoav Goldstein & Nicolas M. Legewie & Doron Shiffer-Sebba, 2023. "3D Social Research: Analysis of Social Interaction Using Computer Vision," Sociological Methods & Research, , vol. 52(3), pages 1201-1238, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:somere:v:52:y:2023:i:3:p:1201-1238
    DOI: 10.1177/00491241221147495
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Dietrich, Bryce J., 2021. "Using Motion Detection to Measure Social Polarization in the U.S. House of Representatives," Political Analysis, Cambridge University Press, vol. 29(2), pages 250-259, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Legewie, Nicolas & Shiffer-Sebba, Doron & Jacobsen, Jannes & Goldstein, Yoav & Dollmann, Jörg, 2025. "A comment on "Seeing racial avoidance on New York City streets"," I4R Discussion Paper Series 250, The Institute for Replication (I4R).

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