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FOI as a data collection tool for economists

Author

Listed:
  • CLIFTON-SPRINGG, Joanna
  • JAMES, Jonathan
  • VUJIC, Suncica

Abstract

This paper sets out a method of generating a unique data set that has been underused by economists – a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. The FOI Act came into force in 2005 in the UK and allows the public to make requests of publicly held data. We explain how they can be made and provide suggestions on how to make effective data driven requests, those most frequently made by economists. Finally, we document the determinants of one particular FOI request. We applied for crime data from all police forces in the UK and examine the determinants of that request. In general, we find that observable characteristics of the local area or the police force neither determine whether the request was fulfilled, nor the speed at which it was responded to.

Suggested Citation

  • CLIFTON-SPRINGG, Joanna & JAMES, Jonathan & VUJIC, Suncica, 2017. "FOI as a data collection tool for economists," Working Papers 2017008, University of Antwerp, Faculty of Business and Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:ant:wpaper:2017008
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Stephen Machin & Olivier Marie & Sunčica Vujić, 2011. "The Crime Reducing Effect of Education," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 121(552), pages 463-484, May.
    2. Daniel S. Hamermesh, 2013. "Six Decades of Top Economics Publishing: Who and How?," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 51(1), pages 162-172, March.
    3. repec:esx:essedp:760 is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Brian Bell & Laura Jaitman & Stephen Machin, 2014. "Crime Deterrence: Evidence From the London 2011 Riots," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 0(576), pages 480-506, May.
    5. Francesconi, Marco & James, Jonathan, 2015. "The Cost of Binge Drinking," CEPR Discussion Papers 10412, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    6. Francesconi, Marco & James, Jonathan, 2015. "The Cost of Binge Drinking," CEPR Discussion Papers 10412, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Data collection; Data access;

    JEL classification:

    • C80 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - General
    • C81 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Methodology for Collecting, Estimating, and Organizing Microeconomic Data; Data Access

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