Using Ethnographic Data to Evaluate Dual System Estimates

In 1990, the U.S. Census Bureau used a 'capture-recapture' or dual system estimation (DSE) methodology to estimate total population including those missed by the census. The two 'systems' are the census and a Post Enumeration Survey (PES) (Hogan and Wolter 1988). One of the assumptions underlying use of the DSE to estimate population size is that within each poststratum (defined by some set of geographic and demographic variables), being in the census is independent of being in the PES.

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WORKING PAPER | OCTOBER 23, 2007

Toward the Social Meaning of the Census to the Inner City Poor

This essay by a noted sociologist examines the social meaning of the census for Black underclass residents of Philadelphia.

WORKING PAPER | OCTOBER 24, 2007

Census Coverage Error Among Low Income Black Households

This qualitative study is based on ethnographic interviews the author conducted with 23 informants in the winter of 1986-87.

WORKING PAPER | OCTOBER 24, 2007

Health and Mental Health among Mexican-American Migrant Workers

This report is one of five exploratory ethnomedical studies sponsored by the Census Bureau and funded by National Center for Health Statistics.

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