Envisioning the 2020 Census

Planning for the 2020 census is already beginning. This book from the National Research Council examines several aspects of census planning, including questionnaire design, address updating, non-response follow-up, coverage follow-up, de-duplication of housing units and residents, editing and imputation procedures, and several other census operations. This book recommends that the Census Bureau overhaul its approach to research and development.

The report urges the Bureau to set cost and quality goals for the 2020 and future censuses, improving efficiency by taking advantage of new technologies. Table of ContentsFront MatterPart I: Final ReportSummary1 Introduction2 Planning the 2020 Census: Cost and Quality3 Census Bureau Research, Past and Present4 Revitalizing Census Research and DevelopmentAppendix A: Past Census Research ProgramsAppendix B: 2010 Census Program of Evaluations and ExperimentsPart II: Interim Report: Experimentation and Evaluation in the 2010Census (December 7, 2007)Executive Summary1 Introduction2 Initial Views on 2010 Census Experiments3 Initial Views on 2010 Census Evaluations4 Considerations for the 2010 CensusAppendix A: The Census Bureau's Suggested Topics for ResearchAppendix B: Internet Response Options in Selected PopulationCensusesPart III: Letter Report (February 19, 2009)Letter ReportReferencesBiographical Sketches of Panel Members and StaffCommittee on National Statistics