Online Program

Solving Real-World Problems, or Making Them Worse? The Collection and Analysis of Race Data (304130)

Keywords: study design, ethics, race, racism, social justice

As statistical practitioners and data scientists, we pride ourselves on our ability to help other people solve real-world problems. Some of our practices, however, could inadvertently be making real-world problems worse. In particular, the ways we measure and analyze race can compound the problem of racial injustice in the US. This presentation will begin with an overview of current understandings of race, ethnicity, and genetic ancestry. It will then examine some flawed methods of collecting and analyzing this data, and continue with a look at current best practices. The session will conclude with an interactive discussion of next steps we can take as a profession. All are welcome; no prior knowledge necessary.