Results of Cognitive Testing of the Alternative Version of the Individual Census Report (ICR) for the 2010 CPEX Experiment
Nathan Jurgenson and George E. Higbie
KEY WORDS: Individual Census Report, Group Quarters, Dormitories, Unduplication
ABSTRACT
The 2010 Census will test an alternative version of the Individual Census Report (ICR) to determine if collecting an additional address for group quarters residents can reduce unduplication efforts in post-processing. This paper documents the cognitive pretesting of this form to gauge respondents’ reactions and understanding. This report describes the background of group quarters enumeration (GQE), the use of the ICR, and the methodology employed to complete cognitive testing. The 12 retrospective think-aloud cognitive interviews of college dormitory residents demonstrated that the alternative version of the ICR functions as it should to gather the desired information on alternate addresses and aid the unduplication process. The respondents indicated that they understood the questions and were able to navigate the new skip pattern without difficulty. Alternatively, we also conclude that certain phrases within the alternate version of the ICR are potentially troublesome as they may be misunderstood. However, because all respondents completed the form correctly and with the desired information, this study finds that only minor modifications in format may lead to better data collection.
CITATION: Jurgenson, Nathan and Higbie, George E. (2009). Results of Cognitive Testing of the Alternative Version of the Individual Census Report (ICR) for the 2010 CPEX Experiment. Statistical Research Division Research Report Series (Survey Methodology #2009-04). U.S. Census Bureau. Available online at <http://www.census.gov/srd/papers/pdf/rsm2009-04.pdf>.
