Census 2000 Content Reinterview Survey

I. Abstract

As part of its plan to evaluate the quality of data collected in the Census 2000, the Census Bureau plans to conduct the Census 2000 Content Reinterview Survey (CRS). The evaluation of the quality of data collected in the Census 2000 is important for both data users and census planners. Data users must have knowledge of the accuracy and reliability of the data in order to make informed decisions about how errors in the data may affect the conclusions they draw from analyzing the data. Census planners require similar information to develop and test methods to improve the overall quality of the data produced in future censuses. The methods used to collect and process census data are complex and subject to error. One particular type of error, response error, arises from the erroneous or unreliable reporting of characteristics. Response error in the decennial census has traditionally been measured through content reinterview surveys. The Census Bureau first began conducting a census CRS after the 1950

census and continued to conduct one for each of the following censuses. The purpose of the CRS is twofold. First, it will be used to estimate response variance for most items on the census long form. To measure response variance, the reinterview will re-ask the same set of questions applying, to the extent possible, similar survey procedures and replicating a similar set of conditions. Secondly, the reinterview will be used to make historical comparisons to previous studies of census content error. The CRS will attempt to evaluate errors introduced in the actual collection and capture of the data. Contributors to response variance include, but are not limited to, the following: questionnaire design, interview administration mode, question wording, inadequate instruction, interviewer effects, and deliberate falsification by the respondent or interviewer. In addition, sources of procedural error (e.g., scanning and data capture errors) will also be reflected in the response variance.

II. Method of Collection

Approximately 25,000 housing units that are designated to receive the census long form will be selected for reinterview purposes. Approximately one month following census enumeration, Census Bureau field representatives (FRs) will recontact selected households and reinterview them by asking the identical items as posed by the decennial long form. Only minor modifications will be made to the census long form to account for needed reinterview instructions, reference period changes, etc. The reinterview questionnaire will also collect data on only one randomly selected person in the household to reduce the burden placed on the household. The mode of administration for the reinterview survey will be telephone and personal visit and interviews will be conducted by each of the twelve census regional offices. FRs will first attempt to reach households by telephone; however, if a telephone number is not available or there are other difficulties in reaching the household by telephone, FRs will make a personal visit to the sampled household to collect the requested information. The FR will administer the interview using a paper questionnaire, similar to the census long form. To the extent possible, all other interviewing procedures applied during the reinterview will replicate those used during census enumeration. Following the conclusion of data collection, reinterview data will then be matched to a census data file. Data from these two sources will then be analyzed to evaluate how responses provided during census enumeration compare to those collected in the reinterview process. An interviewer quality control program will check households classified as ineligible for the CRS to detect and deter falsification. Units with unacceptable within-household match rates will be revisited to determine whether the interviewer conducted the CRS interview.

III. Data

OMB Number: Not Available. Form Number: Not Available (The questionnaire is nearly identical to the Census 2000 long form but will have a unique form number). Type of Review: Regular submission. Affected Public: Households. Estimated Number of Respondents: 25,000. Estimated Time Per Response: 20 minutes. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 8,333 hours. Estimated Total Annual Cost: There is no cost to the respondent other than the time to complete the information request. Respondent's Obligation: Mandatory. Legal Authority: Title 13 United States Code, Sections 141 and 193.

IV. Request for Comments

Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have a practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of appropriate automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized or included in the request for OMB approval of this information collection; they also will become a matter of public record.

Dated: October 6, 1999. Linda Engelmeier, Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. 99-26498 Filed 10-8-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-07-P