Journal article
On the potential of incorporating administrative register data into randomized experiments
Journal of experimental criminology, v 15(3), pp 469-497
01 Sep 2019
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
Objectives Administrative register data offer an opportunity to increase the range and nature of experimental evaluations. In addition to providing a range of offending and non-crime outcome data, the uniformity, longevity, and scope of registers support a broader conceptualization of policy assessments. Although found in several countries, the Scandinavian registers provide a unique opportunity to conduct innovative and impactful randomized studies. Here, and with a focus on Norway, these prospects are explored in detail. Methods We rely on official information and policies on national-level administrative data, as well as data retrieved from Norwegian registers, to explore the possibilities and difficulties in using these unique sources of information within an experimental framework. We provide a descriptive analysis of two groups of offenders in Norway to both support these assumptions and illustrate the potential value-added. Results Employing Norwegian register data in a between-group comparison illustrates that register data would be particularly useful for several key areas of an RCT, including as a source of pilot data, to expand the range of variables on which between-group equivalence can be demonstrated, to increase the length of the observation period, to expand the number and type of individual-level outcomes available for consideration, in addition to providing a foundation for more theoretical, universal policy assessments. Conclusions Overall, this overview suggests that there is a significant and underutilized potential for the use of administrative register data to develop experimental tests of criminal justice and social welfare programming. Value is added to RCTs by increasing the quality of data available and reducing costs, relative to primary data collection, associated with such efforts.
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Details
- Title
- On the potential of incorporating administrative register data into randomized experiments
- Creators
- Jordan M. Hyatt - Drexel UniversitySynove N. Andersen - Stat Norway, Unit Social & Demog Res, Oslo, Norway
- Publication Details
- Journal of experimental criminology, v 15(3), pp 469-497
- Publisher
- Springer Nature
- Number of pages
- 29
- Grant note
- Crown Princess Martha Friendship Fund American-Scandinavian Foundation 202453 / Research Council of Norway
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Criminology and Justice Studies; Center for Public Policy
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:000487922200010
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85066045962
- Other Identifier
- 991019168347004721
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Criminology & Penology