Module 4: Section 5: Terms Used in the Field

This section defined a number of basic terms used in this module. These terms have been highlighted in purple throughout the module, allowing you to rollover the term to see the definition.

Data:
A recording of facts, concepts, or instructions on a storage medium for communication, retrieval, and analysis.
Data-driven process of local reentry:
The process of collecting and analyzing data to make appropriate decisions when transitioning individuals from the jail to the community.
Data mining:
The “process of analyzing data in order to determine patterns and their relationships.”1
Management information system:
“An information collection and analysis system, usually computerized, that facilitates access to program and participant information. It is usually designed and used for administrative purposes.”2
Primary data:
Original data obtained directly from individuals through screening, assessment, surveys, interviews, or focus groups.
Secondary data:
Useful data already collected for another purpose, such as health records and resource information.

1 Biere, Mike (2011). The new era of enterprise business intelligence: Using analytics to achieve a global competitive advantage. NY: IBM Press.

2 Bureau of Justice Assistance, Center for Program Evaluation and Performance Measurement. Available at https://www.bja.gov/programs/crppe/performance-measures.html.

Let's Review

Let's revisit what we have learned so far in the Data-Driven Understanding of Local Reentry module. Please answer the following question.

Primary data are:

Data already collected, such as health records.

The first data that you analyze.

Original data obtained directly from an individual.

Data that comes from your agency.

Summary

Now that you have completed this section, you understand key terminology that is used in this module.