Collection of 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 assumes responsibility for determining methods of data collection, while minimizing respondent burden and ensuring quality, for all Census Bureau operations, regardless of data collection mode, medium, respondent universe, or subject. In so doing, the Census Bureau seeks advice from data users and from other professional and technical subject-matter and methodological experts.

Scope

Data collection is broadly defined as those activities and processes that obtain statistical data about the elements of a population, either directly through the mechanism of obtaining the needed information by contacting respondents representing the population elements or indirectly by using administrative records or other data sources. These principles guide the implementation of all Census Bureau data collection operations, regardless of data collection mode, medium, respondent universe, or subject matter.

Principles

1. Respondents are a data collection organization’s most valuable resource. To assure full and continuing cooperation, the Census Bureau will minimize individual respondent burden and obtain participation by fully informing the respondent regarding the purpose of the data collection and the authority under which it is conducted.

2. All data collection instruments, methods, systems, training, tools, and other materials will be validated before use.
3. Quality and performance measurement and process control systems will be implemented and integrated in the data collection process to assist management and inform the quality of the resulting statistics, facilitating objectivity. These processes, systems, and tools will provide timely measurement and reporting of all critical components of the data collection process, on the dimensions of progress, response, quality, and cost, and enable managers to identify and resolve problems and assure that data collection is completed successfully. Additionally these measurements will provide survey designers and data users with indicators of survey performance and resultant data quality.
4. Reporting unit and item nonresponse will be minimized using appropriate methods.
5. The secure handling of collected data will be assured by appropriate means throughout the entire data collection process to preserve confidentiality and privacy and ensure integrity.
6. All components of the data collection process will be comprehensively documented to assure the consistency and repeatability of the process.
7. Ways will be sought to use technology wisely to reduce respondent burden, improve data quality, process efficiency, and/or timeliness.
8. Exemption from the requirements of these Principles may be sought in special circumstances using the procedure described below under “Responsibilities.”

Responsibilities

Program areas will be responsible for the following:

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

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

• Providing standards and guidelines on the application of these Principles to program areas;
• Producing reports as necessary on the state of compliance with these Principles;
• Initiating evaluations of the application of these Principles within particular program areas and ensuring that such evaluations are co-ordinated with other program evaluation activities;
• Initiating a review of these Principles and accompanying standards and guidelines when deemed necessary; and
• Reviewing 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: P04-0_v1.2 Collect Data