Using big data and computational methods comes with unique challenges, and this book shows you how to overcome these in a core element of research: design. It equips you with the information you need to ask good research questions and shape your research interests into an ethical, well-developed research proposal. At an approachable pace, it: Demonstrates how design touches every aspect of research, from finding literature to determining data analysis techniques. Offers step-by-step advice on how to produce a high quality research proposal, whether as an end-goal or part of a wider study. Helps you map the research field, covering qualitative, quantitative and mixed methodologies and concepts. Grounded in examples of computational social science research, this book helps you develop your research design skills and confidently plan your research project. Relevant case studies and journal articles will allow you to see the concepts you're learning put into practice, and will help you to explore related literature in your discipline. For students across courses relating to social data science and computational social science, this book is a step-by-step guide to help anyone producing a research proposal and project.