Mission
Reliable, rigorous, reproducible sociology
SSA synchronizes the lifecycle of experimental sociology to deliver evidence that stands up to scrutiny. We coordinate pre-registration, design, data collection, analysis, and dissemination across a global network.
What we pursue
Strong causal identification, transparent pre-registration, harmonized designs, and open materials that anyone can inspect, reuse, and build upon.
Why a network
The scientific questions we tackle exceed the capacity of any single researcher or lab. SSA pools expertise and infrastructure to coordinate studies that are democratically selected and openly run.
Mission statement
The Sociological Science Accelerator: Experimental Sociology through a Collaborative Network
Why experiments now
Interest in experimental sociology has surged as demand grows for causal explanations and deeper social mechanisms. Yet the field still trails other disciplines in prevalence and impact.
What holds us back
Limited coordination across topics and networks, too few engagement platforms, constrained funding, and uneven open-science uptake slow the growth of well-powered, reproducible experimental research.
A network already forming
The Experimental Sociology Workshop (ESW) was launched to build global collaboration and seedcorn support. It now connects hundreds of participants across continents through a reputable programme committee.
The SSA commitment
SSA accelerates reliable, rigorous, reproducible evidence by coordinating pre-registrations, study designs, data collection, analysis, and dissemination for projects chosen and overseen by member-elected committees.
A perpetual accelerator
Inspired by recent mega studies, SSA is built as a continuous, diverse network that welcomes research proposals and contributions across sociological domains.
Our guiding principles
Guided by Mertonian norms, SSA embraces decentralised authority and receptivity to critique, methodological rigor and open science, and diversity and inclusion across topics, cultures, and geographies.
How it works
Members propose studies; the network votes to prioritise them.
Committees harmonize protocols, materials, and pre-registration plans across sites.
Member labs field aligned studies, contributing to a shared dataset.
Transparent code and pre-registered analysis plans are executed collaboratively.
Results, code, and materials are shared openly to maximize reuse and scrutiny.
SSA structure
SSA Committee
Sets agenda, supervises projects, invites nominations.
SSA Members
Propose and vote on projects, lead studies, respond to calls.
Contributors
Join selected projects (internal or external to SSA).
Project selection flow
Research project submitted by members.
Eligibility and feasibility reviewed.
Network prioritises projects.
Lead team and supervision confirmed.
Contributors invited to participate.
Governance committees
- Design & methods: harmonize protocols, ensure causal clarity.
- Pre-registration: finalize hypotheses and analysis plans.
- Data quality: monitor fielding and integrity across sites.
- Analysis: run transparent, reproducible code.
- Dissemination: share results, materials, and code openly.
Governance principles
Member proposals and votes; published protocols and decisions; accountability through openness; inclusion across institutions and career stages.