2005–2007 will be followed next year by estimates but language assistance is available in numerous
covering 2006–2008. Both sets include data col- languages and for all response modes. Spanish lan-
lected in 2006 and 2007, so the difference is not a guage forms can be mailed upon request. Hughes
true reflection of change. The U.S. Census Bureau described a 2007 project to expand the languages
recommends that change be measured with ACS for which materials are available for personal visit
estimates without overlapping data. interviews and research to test the success of that
Navarro concluded by asking that we keep in effort. Projects for 2009 include creating respondent
mind that the multiyear estimates are a new prod- materials in Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Korean, and
uct, presenting new choices and new concepts. He Vietnamese; cognitive testing of a Spanish auto-
and Schechter recommended that users refer to the mated instrument; cognitive testing of a Spanish-
ACS handbooks and train-the-trainer materials at language questionnaire; and multimode language
www.census.gov. guides for use with mail respondents and as a study
guide for bilingual interviewers.
Research and Evaluation Program
Tancreto described the ACS methods panel as
Tony Tersine, Todd Hughes, and Jennifer Tancreto
a vehicle for testing changes to the ACS, with the
of the U.S. Census Bureau reported on the ACS
goal of improving existing questions, developing
research and evaluation program. Tersine described
questions, and testing new methods. There was
the ACS Research and Evaluation Program as a set
no methods panel funding for 2008, so the U.S.
of ongoing projects to improve the ACS. The pro-
Census Bureau suspended two tests and plans for
gram includes survey methodology and analytical
future tests. However, funding is restored for 2009,
research, as well as the ACS Methods Panel.
so work will resume. Projects include testing a bro-
Tersine summarized the status of numerous
chure (available in five languages) on response rates
projects for 2008. Projects that were completed
for non-English–speaking households, a dedicated
(and report issued) include tests of the new field-
toll-free number for non-English languages, and a
of-degree question, respondent characteristics by
test of an additional mailing to nonrespondents that
mode, the quality of population estimates, and the
cannot be included in telephone follow-up. Work
use of minor civil divisions as design areas. Among
in the planning stage includes a test of Internet
projects completed (but report pending) are projects
response options for the ACS and a content test
on nonresponse weighting adjustments, alternate
in which access to the Internet will be one of the
population controls, disclosure avoidance for group
items tested. ■
quarters, the usability of American FactFinder, the
effects of data quality filtering, and the evaluation of
the 2008 tenure question.
Looking to 2009, Tersine said they have a list
of 50 projects. The list is still being prioritized, but
the final list is expected to include key projects on
the following: Committee Seeks
Messaging to clarify ACS vs. 2010 census (for
those who will receive both)
Nominations
Matching administrative records to evaluate the
Members of the 2009 Committee on Nominations are asking mem-
health insurance question
bers to suggest colleagues to be considered for future officer posi-
Disclosure avoidance for five-year estimates
tions on the ASA Board of Directors and with sections. This is your
opportunity to nominate those who will provide leadership on matters
Small-area data user preferences
that concern you. The committee captures this information electroni-
Five-year group quarters estimates
cally at
www.amstat.org/committees/nominations. Your nominations
are important and provide critical information for determining final
Sampling rates for small governments
candidates. Members are urged to submit as much information about
The use of subcounty controls
the suggested candidate as possible. The deadline for submissions is
April 15, 2009.
Comparing the quality of five-year data and long
Questions and suggestions may be directed to Committee
form estimates
on Nominations Chair Lynn Palmer at
lpalmer@mdanderson.org
Hughes described the ACS Language Team
or Chapters and Sections Coordinator Monica Clark at
Projects. The ACS questionnaire is in English only,
monica@amstat.org or (703) 684-1221, Ext. 1858. ■
MARCH 2009 AMSTAT NEWS 27
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