Administrative data

Definition

Administrative data refers to the information collected and maintained by government agencies, organizations, or institutions for managing their operations and delivering services. This type of data is often used for research and policy evaluation, providing valuable insights into how programs are functioning and where improvements can be made.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Administrative data is often derived from records created during routine operations, such as enrollment forms, service delivery logs, and financial transactions.
2. This data can cover a wide range of topics, including healthcare utilization, educational attainment, and social services participation.
3. One of the advantages of using administrative data is its ability to provide large-scale datasets that allow for longitudinal studies and trend analysis over time.
4. While administrative data can be highly useful, concerns about privacy and data security must be addressed when collecting and using this information.
5. The use of administrative data in evidence-based policymaking helps ensure that decisions are grounded in real-world evidence rather than assumptions or anecdotal information.

Review Questions

• How does administrative data contribute to the evaluation of public programs?
  • Administrative data plays a crucial role in evaluating public programs by providing empirical evidence on how services are utilized and their impact on target populations. By analyzing this data, policymakers can identify trends in service delivery and outcomes, which can inform decisions on resource allocation and program design. Additionally, administrative data allows for longitudinal studies that track changes over time, giving deeper insights into program effectiveness.
• Discuss the challenges associated with using administrative data for evidence-based policymaking.
  • Using administrative data for evidence-based policymaking presents several challenges, including issues related to data quality, completeness, and consistency. Data may be incomplete if certain demographic groups are underrepresented or if records are not consistently maintained. Moreover, there are privacy concerns that need to be managed when handling sensitive information. Policymakers must navigate these challenges to ensure that the insights drawn from administrative data are accurate and reliable.
• Evaluate the implications of relying solely on administrative data in shaping public policy decisions.
  • Relying solely on administrative data can lead to a narrow understanding of complex social issues because it may not capture qualitative aspects or context surrounding the data. While administrative data offers valuable quantitative insights, it often lacks the richness provided by other forms of research, such as surveys or interviews. Policymakers must consider incorporating multiple sources of evidence to create well-rounded policies that address both statistical trends and the lived experiences of affected populations.

Related terms

Data Governance: The overall management of the availability, usability, integrity, and security of data used in an organization.

Program Evaluation: A systematic method for assessing the design, implementation, and outcomes of a program to determine its effectiveness and areas for improvement.

Statistical Analysis: The process of collecting and analyzing data to identify patterns, trends, and relationships that inform decision-making.