Analysis 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 uses sound analytical techniques to ensure objectivity in its statistical information products. We evaluate the techniques used to analyze data, continually searching for more effective, accurate, and reliable analysis tools. We evaluate and report on the quality of our analyses.

Scope

These Principles apply to all analyses used to generate data or information disseminated by the Census Bureau. This includes analysis directly used to produce data and estimates for Census Bureau products and analysis that indirectly affect the quality of data and information, such as analysis performed during research to develop improved methodologies for sampling, data collection, data capture, processing, estimation; and analysis performed to evaluate the quality of Census Bureau data, methodologies, and processes.

Principles

1. The Census Bureau will perform analyses and present results in a neutral manner.
2. The Census Bureau will ensure that the sampling design is considered and addressed in analyses. Measures of sampling error will be provided.
3. Preliminary quality checking and exploratory data analysis techniques will be utilized to identify, where possible, instances of nonsampling error, including missing data, measurement error, processing error, and specification error.
4. Quality checks will be used to prevent errors in the analysis, including checking the data used in the analysis; checking the computations; and checking the text, tables, and figures used to report the analysis results.
5. 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 and maintaining procedures to review all analyses intended for public release as Census Bureau products to assure they are unbiased substantively, statistically, and from a policy perspective;
• Developing and maintaining procedures to ensure that statistical testing is conducted as part of all analyses;
• Developing and maintaining procedures to review the data used in an analysis and document its limitations as part of the analysis product;
• 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 coordinated 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: P06-0_v1.2 Analysis of Data