Planning and Design of Surveys and Other Means of Collecting Data

Census Bureau Principle
Version 1.2
Issued: 05 Jan 06

Authored for:
Census Bureau Methodology & Standards Council
Cynthia Z.F. Clark , Chair

Introduction

The Census Bureau’s commitment to quality and professional standards of practice includes the use of modern statistical theory and practice in all technical work. In the area of planning and design, the Census Bureau assumes responsibility for determining sources of data and measurement methods. In so doing, the Census Bureau seeks advice on specific data concepts, methods, and products from data users and from other professional and technical subject-matter and methodological experts.

Scope

These principles apply to both appropriated and reimbursable surveys, data compilations and tabulations. In the area of planning and design this encompasses the development and determination of survey requirements, general objectives, sponsors, major variables of interest, available budget, precision desired, survey schedule, geographic scope, collection mode, type of respondent, quality control and evaluation plans, the sampling frame, sample design, estimation specifications, variance estimation specifications, and other quality measurement specifications.

Principles

1. A statement of objective will clearly state the purposes for which information is required, the major variables of interest, the tabulation plans, the design of other products, the quality expected, budget constraints, and expected delivery dates.
2. Planning will take into account the needs of all areas affected by the data collection effort, including those involved in the design, collection, processing, estimation, and dissemination, as well as any sponsors and users of the data. Overall survey requirements will be documented, budget and schedule details refined, and available resources identified and assigned to the project.
3. The survey frames will conform with the target population. Frame creation, use and maintenance will include methods to reduce undercoverage or overcoverage.
4. Established sampling methods will be used to select a representative sample of the population of interest. Conclusions and inferences about the population will be based on examination of information collected from this representative sample.
5. The survey sample design requirements will be developed to meet the sample size and survey estimate reliability requirements given the survey's cost, timing, and scope constraints.
6. The design of data collection modes and instruments will take into account the requirements of data users and the data processing requirements to ensure the utility of the results.
7. Quality assurance methods will be implemented, as needed, to ensure each survey's quality requirements are met.
   

Responsibilities

Program areas will be responsible for the following:

• the inclusion of requirements to satisfy these Principles in the design, schedule, and budget of new or re-designed statistical activities, programs, or products; and
• the submission to the Census Bureau Methodology and Standards Council of applications for exemption from the requirements of these Principles.
  

The Methodology and Standards Council will be responsible for the following:

• the production of reports as necessary on the state of compliance with these Principles;
• the initiation of evaluations of the application of these Principles within particular program areas and ensuring that such evaluations are co-ordinated with other program evaluation activities;
• the provision of standards and guidelines on the application of these Principles to program areas;
• the initiation of a review of these Principles and accompanying standards and guidelines when deemed necessary; and
• the review and approval of applications for exemption from the requirements of the Principles.
  

Inquiries

Inquiries relating to the interpretation of these Principles should be addressed to the Census Bureau Methodology and Standards Council.

Approved by Census Bureau Methodology and Standards Council:

                  Signed Cynthia Z.F. Clark, August 6, 2002  
                  Cynthia Z.F. Clark
                  Associate Director for Methodology and Standards
                  Chair, Methodology and Standards Council

                  Signed Robert N. Tinari, August 06, 2002
                  Robert Tinari
                  Chief, Computer Assisted Survey Research Office

                  Signed David Whitford, August 6, 2002
                  David C. Whitford
                  Acting Chief, Decennial Statistical Studies Division

                  Signed Al R. Tupek, August 6, 2002
                  Alan R. Tupek
                  Chief, Demographic Statistical Methods Division

                  Signed Howard Hogan, August 6, 2002
                  Howard Hogan
                  Chief, Economic Statistical Methods and Programming Division

                  Signed Ruth Ann Killion, August 6, 2002
                  Ruth Ann Killion
                  Chief, Planning, Research and Evaluation Division

                  Signed Tommy Wright, August 6, 2002
                  Tommy Wright
                  Chief, Statistical Research Division

Concurrence:

                  Signed Preston Jay Waite, June 11, 2003
                  Preston Jay Waite
                  Associate Director for Decennial Programs

                  Signed Nancy M. Gordon, June 11, 2003
                  Nancy M. Gordon
                  Associate Director for Demographic Programs

                  Signed Frederick T. Knickerbocker, June 11, 2003
                  Frederick T. Knickerbocker
                  Associate Director for Economic Programs

                  Signed Marvin D. Raines, June 11, 2003
                  Marvin D. Raines
                  Associate Director for Field Operations

                  Signed Gloria Gutierrez ,June 11, 2003
                  Gloria Gutierrez
                  Assistant Director for Marketing and Customer Liaison

                  Signed Cynthia Z.F. Clark ,June 11, 2003
                  Cynthia Z.F. Clark
                  Associate Director for Methodology and Standards

Document Management & Control

The most current version of this document is maintained on the Census Bureau Intranet and may
be accessed from the Quality Management Repository.

Category: Principle   
Filename: P03-0_v1.2 Plan Design Surveys