22: Impact of Data Storytelling Techniques on Understanding Context of Prison Settings

Music City Center 

Data are a powerful tool to inform policy and social change, but often personal perspectives can influence interpretation of data. This is especially relevant when data concerns systems, such as prisons, that are understudied, historically not transparent, and mute the voices of those inside. We sought to evaluate the impact of incorporating narrative and storytelling in data reporting on prisons. It is the goal of this project to produce a data report that delivers a more nuanced story that is supported by data analysis and limits misinterpretation due to biases and misunderstanding of underrepresented populations. Using survey data collected in a Vermont prison, two reports will be constructed: one by academic researchers and one co-created with incarcerated individuals and prison staff. Both will be shared with policymakers and focus groups to assess the impacts of narrative on understanding. Phase 1 results will detail the co-creation process and present the final data reports. Phase 2, the focus group process, will be conducted in Fall 2025. We hypothesize that incorporating narrative storytelling into data reporting will offer a better understanding of prison context.

Data Storytelling

Prison Research

Data Visualization

Narrative

Survey Analysis 

Justice Equity Diversity and Inclusion Outreach Group