The original definition of the Continuous Measurement Option in U.S. Department of Commerce (1992), was:

•  collect only "basic headcount and minimal data" on the decennial census
• replace "data traditionally obtained on a sample basis in the decennial" by a collection program "spread out in some fashion over the decade."

Different "fashions of spreading out collection" have been suggested. (Eckler (1972); Kish (1981, 1990); Alvey and Scheuren (1982); Herriot, Bateman, and McCarthy (1989); Herriot and Schneider (1990).) The immediate goal of our present research is to select a specific prototype design, determine its feasibility and cost, and describe it to our various stakeholders and review committees. Using their responses, the Census Bureau will decide whether to proceed with further testing and development.