Statistical Surveys:

Census Bureau Has Creditable Employment and Economic Data-Collection Procedures

IMTEC-86-8: Published: Mar 14, 1986. Publicly Released: Apr 14, 1986.

Additional Materials:

Contact:

Office of Public Affairs
(202) 512-4800
youngc1@gao.gov

In response to a congressional request, GAO reviewed two Census Bureau statistical surveys: (1) the Current Population Survey (CPS) which reflects monthly employment, unemployment, and general labor-force characteristics; and (2) the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) which provides a continuing measure of individuals' and households' economic conditions, income sources, labor-force activity, and participation in federal benefit programs.

GAO reviewed: (1) questionnaire design; (2) interviewer selection, training, and supervision; and (3) quality control in gathering and reviewing data. GAO visited two Census Bureau regional offices and determined that: (1) each survey's questionnaire design, though reliable for compiling statistical estimates and making needed comparisons, could be redesigned to improve accuracy; (2) interviewer selection is based on reasonable criteria; (3) interviewer training is comprehensive and adequately covers the necessary skills; (4) supervisory and administrative quality controls for the data-collection and review activities are in place and operating to reasonably ensure data integrity; and (5) the regions are doing a creditable job of complying with the data-collection and review procedures. GAO noted two issues that could affect data quality, including: (1) attracting and retaining qualified interviewers; and (2) respondent participation.

Sep 28, 2016

Sep 27, 2016

Sep 26, 2016

Sep 23, 2016

Sep 21, 2016

Sep 7, 2016

Aug 30, 2016

Aug 11, 2016

Jul 22, 2016

Looking for more? Browse all our products here