Using the Data First criminal justice datasets in ethnicity research

14/09/2022

Context

Data First is a ground-breaking data linkage programme led by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and funded by ADR UK to link and enable access to administrative data from across the justice system and beyond for research. Kitty and Angela have spent the past year conducting analysis as some of the first users of the Data First magistrates’ and Crown Court datasets.

About the workshop

This online workshop will provide a guided tour of relevant variables within the datasets and use synthetic data to set out how a selection of these variables can be recoded to make them suitable for statistical analysis. The workshop will also explore approaches to measuring ethnic disparities including the Relative Rate Index and the use of logistic and linear regression to control for other variables. Toward the end of the workshop there will be time to discuss areas of research interest which may be addressed using the data.

Workshop objectives

This workshop will result in increased knowledge and understanding of:

  • the Data First magistrates’ and Crown Court datasets
  • the ethnicity variables within the datasets
  • recoding variables to make them suitable for statistical analysis
  • calculating disproportionality between ethnic groups using the Relative Rate Index
  • examining ethnic disparities using an appropriate regression technique
  • interpreting the results of regression analysis
  • research opportunities using the datasets.

Participants will develop an understanding of what the Data First magistrates’ and Crown Court datasets can be used for in relation to ethnicity research and the steps which need to be undertaken to conduct the research. By the end of the workshop participants will be able to use the Relative Rate Index to document the extent of disparities. The workshop will enable participants to develop practical skills to implement suitable regression techniques to control for other variables in examining disparities between ethnic groups.

Prerequisites

Familiarity with SPSS and a basic understanding of linear/logistic regression is desired but not essential.

About the facilitators

Dr Kitty Lymperopoulou and Dr Angela Sorsby are both ADR UK Research Fellows who have been using the Data First magistrates’ and Crown Court datasets to investigate disparities between ethnic groups in court case experiences and outcomes. Dr Kitty Lymperopoulou is a Senior Research Associate at Manchester Metropolitan University and Dr Angela Sorsby is a Lecturer in Criminology at the University of Sheffield.

Date: 14 September 2022

Time: 13:00-16:00

Where: Online event

Cost: Free

Registration: Via Eventbrite

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