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Center for Behavioral Science Methods (CBSM) applies behavioral science methods to the design and evaluation of Census Bureau data collection instruments and information products, and conducts methodological research to improve the quality of data from surveys and censuses.
The Center for Behavioral Science Methods (CBSM) leads the application of social science and survey methods to improve the design of questionnaires, data collection instruments, and information products. CBSM also leads general methodological research to improve data quality from surveys and censuses, develops new methods for design and evaluation, and applies these methods to emerging data products.
Staff use both qualitative and quantitative methods drawn from statistics, psychology, sociology, linguistics, and anthropology to identify and reduce measurement error in existing surveys and to develop questions for new topic areas. Typical research methods include one-on-one cognitive testing, focus groups, debriefings, expert review, behavior coding and split ballot field experiments. CBSM staff also adapt surveys for alternative modes of data collection (e.g., web, mobile devices, mail surveys, interviewer-administered modes), and conduct research to ensure comparability of measurement across languages and cultural groups. In addition, CBSM extends these methods to evaluate the clarity and effectiveness of information products disseminated through the web, apps, and print reports, and messages designed to inform the public about research and encourage participation. Most recent extensions include applying established methods to evaluate the quality of emerging data sources such as administrative records and paradata, and employing new methods such as machine learning to evaluate and supplement conventional survey data.
Staff regularly collaborate with counterparts in other federal government agencies, academia, and private research organizations, and exchange state-of-the-art findings from the literature and cross-cutting developments in the research community. Research findings are disseminated at professional meetings, seminars and workshops, and through working papers, journal publications and book chapters.
Administrative Records
View information on Administrative Records for Research at the U.S. Census Bureau.
Big Data
Learn how the U.S. Census Bureau is using new types of data and analysis to improve and strengthen our statistics.
Data Science
View information on Data Science for Research at the U.S. Census Bureau.
Disclosure Avoidance
Learn more about areas of statistical disclosure control, confidentiality, and disclosure limitation.
Federal Statistical Research Data Centers
The Federal Statistical System Research Data Centers are partnerships between federal statistical agencies and leading research institutions.
General Economic Research
View information on General Economic Research at the U.S. Census Bureau.
Mortality Disparities in American Communities (MDAC)
Research database on 2008 American Community Survey respondents and a follow-up of mortality outcomes through 2015.
Paradata
View information on Paradata for Research at the U.S. Census Bureau.
Statistical Research
CSRM conducts research on statistical design, modeling, and analysis methods for the Census Bureau's data collection, analysis, and dissemination programs.
Time Series and Seasonal Adjustment
Seasonal adjustment is the estimation of the seasonal component, followed by their removal from the time series.
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