Revisiting Theoretical and Methodological Aspects of a Scientific Inquiry of Migration in the Era of Digitalisation

Abstract

This paper discusses how new information technologies will change the inquiry of social processes, particularly regarding migration studies. Modern innovations in the sphere of collection and processing of information, like digitalisation, analysis of Big data, and the development of data science, might transform theoretical approaches to migration studies. Applying Babbie’s (2021) macro and micro theory of social process inquiry, the intention in the current article is to add a nano level, which will be increasingly utilised in the coming years, particularly in the sphere of inquiry of population migration using personal biological (fingerprints, eye features, and even DNA) characteristics. The paper underlines that modern information technologies will not only allow for a deeper understanding, but also for a broader capture of social processes. Moreover, these technologies will facilitate the use of mixed method research, i.e. incorporating quantitative and qualitative approaches. It is also important to understand the continued importance of ethical principles regarding the protection of personal information.