Lab: the Power of (and in) the Data
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The workshop "The Power of (and in) Data" will provide participants with practical skills for applied social research. In particular, the objective of the course is to develop knowledge related to:
- Understanding the relationship between power and statistical data: Develop a critical awareness of the role of power in the collection, interpretation, and dissemination of data, analyzing how these processes reflect political agendas and specific interests.
- Identifying bias and prejudice in data: Provide tools to recognize and analyze biases, often systemic or unconscious, that can influence data representation and interpretation, underscoring the importance of a conscious and responsible perspective.
- Exploring alternative data collection methodologies: Examine practices of counterdata collection and sharing as a response to the limitations of institutional data, assessing their potential to enhance equity in the representation of social phenomena.
- Developing skills in critical interpretation of data visualization: Delve into data visualization methods, reflecting on how graphic representations can facilitate the understanding of complex phenomena or, in some cases, reinforce stereotypes.
- Promoting an ethical and inclusive approach to data: Foster sensitivity towards transparency, fairness, and inclusivity in data science, encouraging methodological choices that respect diverse perspectives and acknowledge the social impact of statistical analyses.
The work carried out during the workshop can represent a first step towards a future undergraduate thesis and will allow participants to acquire knowledge and develop skills applicable not only in academic settings but also in the job market, in fields such as marketing, public policy, and consulting.
The workshop is in ideal continuity with the courses "Social Statistics and Population Dynamics" and "Social and Evaluation Research Methodology": however, it is not necessary to have taken these two exams to participate in the laboratory, but it is advisable to have attended at least one of the two courses.
- Understanding the relationship between power and statistical data: Develop a critical awareness of the role of power in the collection, interpretation, and dissemination of data, analyzing how these processes reflect political agendas and specific interests.
- Identifying bias and prejudice in data: Provide tools to recognize and analyze biases, often systemic or unconscious, that can influence data representation and interpretation, underscoring the importance of a conscious and responsible perspective.
- Exploring alternative data collection methodologies: Examine practices of counterdata collection and sharing as a response to the limitations of institutional data, assessing their potential to enhance equity in the representation of social phenomena.
- Developing skills in critical interpretation of data visualization: Delve into data visualization methods, reflecting on how graphic representations can facilitate the understanding of complex phenomena or, in some cases, reinforce stereotypes.
- Promoting an ethical and inclusive approach to data: Foster sensitivity towards transparency, fairness, and inclusivity in data science, encouraging methodological choices that respect diverse perspectives and acknowledge the social impact of statistical analyses.
The work carried out during the workshop can represent a first step towards a future undergraduate thesis and will allow participants to acquire knowledge and develop skills applicable not only in academic settings but also in the job market, in fields such as marketing, public policy, and consulting.
The workshop is in ideal continuity with the courses "Social Statistics and Population Dynamics" and "Social and Evaluation Research Methodology": however, it is not necessary to have taken these two exams to participate in the laboratory, but it is advisable to have attended at least one of the two courses.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
- set up a critical examination of reports on phenomena of sociological interest to identify limits and potential of the data and their interpretation;
- understand if and to what extent data visualizations are accurate without compromising comprehensibility, avoiding distortions or simplifications.
- set up a critical examination of reports on phenomena of sociological interest to identify limits and potential of the data and their interpretation;
- understand if and to what extent data visualizations are accurate without compromising comprehensibility, avoiding distortions or simplifications.
Lesson period: Second trimester
Assessment methods: Giudizio di approvazione
Assessment result: superato/non superato
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second trimester
Course syllabus
The relationship between power and the production of statistical data is a crucial topic in contemporary society. The collection, interpretation, and use of data reflect and shape symbolic imaginaries and specific interests, thus influencing political agendas and institutional actions. Because "what gets measured affects what gets done," (Joseph E. Stiglitz), the decisions on which data to collect and how to use it are inherently political.
The growing availability of big data, generated by the digital activities of individuals and organizations, is accompanied by institutional efforts to make representative data on various aspects of social life comparable and accessible. At the same time, grassroots experiences of counterdata collection are emerging to counter institutional biases and inaction on specific issues.
In light of this complexity, there is a need for critical tools to identify biases and distortions in the collection and dissemination of data. During the seminar, participants will explore perspectives that challenge the idea of objectivity and neutrality in data science, reflecting on who holds power in the production and dissemination of data, who is represented in datasets, and who benefits from the information extracted.
Through lectures, group discussions, and case studies, participants will acquire critical skills to identify and address power imbalances in data processing. Examples will be analyzed where data has made previously unknown phenomena visible or, conversely, has contributed to the invisibilization of social groups, with implications for access to social and civil rights. The seminar will also examine the role of data visualizations, which can either challenge stereotypes and clarify complex phenomena or risk oversimplifying them.
This program will enable participants to develop a critical and informed approach to data, applicable across various fields in the social sciences.
The growing availability of big data, generated by the digital activities of individuals and organizations, is accompanied by institutional efforts to make representative data on various aspects of social life comparable and accessible. At the same time, grassroots experiences of counterdata collection are emerging to counter institutional biases and inaction on specific issues.
In light of this complexity, there is a need for critical tools to identify biases and distortions in the collection and dissemination of data. During the seminar, participants will explore perspectives that challenge the idea of objectivity and neutrality in data science, reflecting on who holds power in the production and dissemination of data, who is represented in datasets, and who benefits from the information extracted.
Through lectures, group discussions, and case studies, participants will acquire critical skills to identify and address power imbalances in data processing. Examples will be analyzed where data has made previously unknown phenomena visible or, conversely, has contributed to the invisibilization of social groups, with implications for access to social and civil rights. The seminar will also examine the role of data visualizations, which can either challenge stereotypes and clarify complex phenomena or risk oversimplifying them.
This program will enable participants to develop a critical and informed approach to data, applicable across various fields in the social sciences.
Prerequisites for admission
The workshop is in ideal continuity with the courses "Statistica sociale e dinamiche di popolazione" and "Metodologia della ricerca sociale e valutativa": however, it is not necessary to have taken these two exams to participate.
Teaching methods
The course is based on a combination of lectures and classroom discussions. Students' active participation is required.
Teaching Resources
There are no mandatory textbooks, but non-compulsory readings for personal study will be uploaded to the MyAriel page of the workshop.
Assessment methods and Criteria
In order to acquire the 3 cfu, the following is required:
● participation in at least 80% of the lessons
● active participation in the classroom
● drafting a project proposal for data collection/presentation based on the work done in the classroom (group work max. 3 people, max. 5 pages single-spaced, Times New Roman 12).
● participation in at least 80% of the lessons
● active participation in the classroom
● drafting a project proposal for data collection/presentation based on the work done in the classroom (group work max. 3 people, max. 5 pages single-spaced, Times New Roman 12).
SPS/09 - ECONOMIC SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIOLOGY OF WORK AND ORGANIZATIONS - University credits: 3
Laboratories: 20 hours
Professor:
Struffolino Emanuela
Professor(s)