Workshop: Understanding census microdata for research purposes using the Scotland data collection

Are you interested in learning more about census microdata and how they can be used in research? Have you considered using census data but are not sure what is available?

This free workshop will introduce you to the UK Data Service census microdata collection and the Scottish Longitudinal Study. Although the census microdata collection covers the UK as a whole, this workshop will have a special emphasis on the collection for Scotland.

Open and Safeguarded census microdata products can be accessed via download from the UK Data Service and the National Records of Scotland (NRS) website, while the Scottish Longitudinal Study data can be accessed via safe settings and remote access from the Scottish Longitudinal Study Development & Support Unit.

This half-day session will introduce these data sources showing examples of how experienced researchers have used these data in their research. The workshop will include:

• an introduction to the census microdata and the Scottish Longitudinal Study: datasets available to researchers and how to access them
• an introduction to census geography and how boundary data can be integrated into census microdata analysis
• a short demonstration of how to access Scottish census microdata online

Level: Introductory
Experience/Knowledge required: None
Target audience: Anyone who would like to learn more about using census data for research.