Qualitative Methods

Data for a Just U.S. - Using Data Science to Empower Marginalized Communities

September 3, 2024
Elijah Mercer
by Elijah Mercer. In this blog post, I share how working with marginalized communities through data science has transformed my understanding of the field. My journey from crime analysis to founding Data for Just US reveals the profound impact data can have when used to empower and uplift underserved populations. I explore the challenges and rewards of this work, illustrating how data science can drive social change and foster a more equitable future.

Deya Chic

Data Science for Social Justice Fellow 2024
Graduate School of Education

Deya is deeply committed to supporting underrepresented students and contributing to policies that address oppression in higher education. She aims to influence fellow professionals and researchers to adopt a comprehensive approach to addressing systemic issues in the higher education system.

Gesean Lewis

Data Science for Social Justice Fellow 2024
Education

Fifth year doctoral candidate in the Joint Special Education Program. Decade long resume in autism research and socialization. Currently working on my dissertation following the educational journeys of former foster youth on the autism spectrum.

Hellina Hailu Nigatu

Data Science for Social Justice Senior Fellow 2024
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS)

I am a PhD student at UC Berkeley in the EECS department co-advised by Prof. Sarah Chasins and Prof. John Canny. My research interest broadly lies in the intersection of AI and HCI, with a focus on making usable AI tools accessible to end users.

I am currently looking into making NLP tools usable and accessible for low-resourced languages. I am also interested in the impact of AI on society, specifically in how it affects Global Majority countries and communities. Outside of research, I like to read books, make and drink traditional Ethiopian coffee, knit,...

Minding the Gaps: Pay Equity in California

July 9, 2024
Tonya D. Lindsey, Ph.D.
by Tonya D. Lindsey, Ph.D. The gender pay gap continues to reflect that, on average, men outearn women. California is among the states with the smallest pay gaps (outpacing the national number at 13%) and is unique in that it enacted legislation aimed at eliminating pay gaps by sex and race categories. This blog post reflects on California’s pay gap as students study it in an undergraduate social statistics course. Independent variables indicate three theoretical frameworks: 1) human capital, 2) occupational segregation, and 3) discrimination. While the work students do is rigorous using a representative sample of full-time year-round California workers, there remains work to be done and caveats to the data and analyses.

Berkeley FSRDC Fundamentals

January 31, 2024, 11:00am
Interested in restricted Census or partnering RDC agency (AHRQ, BLS, BEA, NCHS) data use? This one-hour introductory workshop will provide an overview of the Berkeley Federal Statistical Research Data Center, with no prior experience assumed. Attendees will learn about the national RDC network, how to access information online about restricted Census data, and how to navigate proposal development.

GPT Fundamentals

April 17, 2024, 3:00pm
This workshop offers a general introduction to the GPT (Generative Pretrained Transformers) model. We will explore how they reflect and shape our cultural narratives and social interactions, and which drawbacks and constraints they have.

Survey Fundamentals

April 11, 2024, 3:00pm
This two-hour workshop offers a comprehensive introduction to designing and conducting survey studies. Tailored for beginners, it provides clear, step-by-step guidance complemented by concise examples, practical considerations, and useful support materials. Participants will learn the entire process, from formulating a research question to creating, administering, and analyzing surveys, as well as interpreting results and communicating their findings.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Fundamentals

February 7, 2023, 10:00am
Are you starting a research project at UC Berkeley that involves human subjects? If so, one of the first steps you will need to take is getting IRB approval.

QDA Campus License Focus Group

October 12, 2023, 12:00pm
Calling All Qualitative & Mixed-Methods Researchers at UC Berkeley! Join the conversation on Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA) Campus Software License Options! Are you a researcher (undergraduate, graduate, or faculty/staff) at UC Berkeley who employs qualitative data, text analysis, or mixed-methods research approaches? If you rely on specialized software like Atlas.ti, NVivo, MaxQDA, Dedoose, or Otter.ai in your work, Research IT & D-Lab want your input to inform the future of qualitative research supports at UC Berkeley.