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UK Data Service Logo

Exploring educational inequality using census microdata

7 Oct 2021 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Online
Training
Census data
Workshop

This free course is aimed at those interested in learning how to use census microdata to explore aspects of social inequality. The end-user version of the 2011 census microdata contains a 5% sample of individual returns with nearly 3 million records. The course will explore the factors associated with having a degree level qualification in England. We expect the 2021 census microdata to be available next year allowing exploration of a range of social inequalities.

The course covers:

  • what is contained in the census microdata – strengths and limitations
  • potential research topics using census microdata
  • preparing data for analysis
  • combining census microdata analysis with other methods

Participants will learn what information is collected and how, how it is stored, how to access the data and how to prepare the data for different types of analysis using the statistical software of your choice (Stata, R or SPSS).

Course content and format
The course will be introduced by an update on the 2021 census microdata, expected date of release, formats, and requirements to access the data, followed by a description of the dataset to be used in the hands-on session. The hands-on session will cover loading the data, selecting and recoding variables, creating an aggregate file and carrying out a logistic regression. Coding files will be provided for Stata, R, and SPSS and participants will need to specify the software they want to use in the registration form.

Course tutors
The course will be led by Nigel de Noronha from the UK Data Service and supported by team members.

Course materials
Participants will be provided with handouts of the presentation slides, worksheets and syntax files (of the software of their choice) accompanying the practical session.

Preparation
To access this course you should be registered with the UK Data Service and have the appropriate version of the 2011 Census Microdata Individual Safeguarded Sample (Regional): England and Wales (SN 7605) downloaded as outlined below:

  • R - CSV
  • Stata - STATA
  • SPSS - SPSS

Experience/knowledge required: Capable of using chosen software (SPSS, STATA or R) to carry out logistic regression
Target audience: Social Science researchers interested in exploring social inequality

Event resources

Presentation slides

Workshop materials (GitHub)

Data: 2011 Census Microdata Individual Safeguarded Sample (Local Authority)

Workshop recording