Based on feedback from respondents and government agencies, the Census Bureau identified topics on the American Community Survey (ACS) that may require changes or additions. To evaluate these potential changes, new or modified questions are pretested using cognitive testing methods before being added to the actual survey. As part of the 2016 Content Test, the Census Bureau contracted with Westat to conduct cognitive testing of potential questions related to the following topics:

Hispanic origin and race
Telephone service
Computer and Internet use
Health insurance
Cohabitation / domestic partnership
Commuting mode
Time of arrival at work
Number of weeks worked
Class of worker
Industry and occupation
Retirement income

For Round 3 of cognitive testing, Westat conducted 29 cognitive interviews in group quarters and 60 cognitive interviews in Puerto Rico during April and May, 2015. This report summarizes the results from the third round of cognitive testing.

Others in Series

Working Paper

Cognitive Testing of the American Community Survey Content Test Items

August 12, 2009

Results of the pretest of new and revised questions for the 2010 American Community Survey Content Test.

Working Paper

2016 American Community Survey Content Test: Relationship

August 30, 2017

Results from the 2016 ACS Content Test of the question about Relationship.

Working Paper

2016 ACS Content Test: Summary of Round 1 and 2 Cognitive Testing

December 06, 2016

Obtain a summary of the feedback gathered during Round 1 and Round 2 of cognitive testing the revised questions for the 2016 Content Test.

Page Last Revised - October 8, 2021

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