Here are some links that I have found useful for researchers.

Introduction to Big Data

• Collection of Python Tutorials assembled by Neal Caren: Professor Caren of UNC-Chapel Hill has a great collection of tutorials for researchers exploring Big Data and Python for the first time. In fact, I learned how to do most things in Python just by clicking through these links.
• CUNY Data Mining Initiative: This is a shameless plug for the Initiative that I work for. We host many seminars on big data ranging from educational research to workshops on data mining.
• Mining the Social Media: This is a great place to get started on mining the social media. Python codes are explained thoroughly. I would recommend that new Python users review introductory texts to Python prior to using this reference.

Looking for Data?

• Archive.org: The amount of data that they have is unbelievable and they give universal access. This is a great site to look for specific online data or to search with serendipity.