This professor uses data to reveal hidden patterns in centuries of human storytelling
David Bamman, an associate professor at UC Berkeley, utilizes data-driven analysis to uncover patterns in storytelling across various media. His research highlights significant disparities in representation, such as the prevalence of male characters in literature. Bamman emphasizes that cultural analytics serves as a complementary tool to traditional criticism, enhancing our understanding of storytelling's impact on society.
- ▪David Bamman applies computational methods to analyze books, films, and music.
- ▪His research reveals that male characters appear three times more often than female characters in literature.
- ▪Bamman also studies the evolution of cinematic techniques in Hollywood films since 1922.
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Arts & culture, Research This professor uses data to reveal hidden patterns in centuries of human storytelling UC Berkeley’s David Bamman applies data-driven analysis to human artistic output — often with surprising results. By Charlotte Khadra May 21, 2026 David Bamman studies culture at a scale few humans ever could. An associate professor in the UC Berkeley School of Information, Bamman uses computational methods to analyze books, films and music, revealing patterns in storytelling, representation and cultural change across decades and even centuries.
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