About This Forum

RESEARCH MATTERS at the Census Bureau, as this forum will demonstrate. We aim to discuss important research in government statistics, and stimulate informed debate. Research ranges from substantive topics of interest in demography, economics and other social sciences, to methodological questions, such as the role of statistical modeling in surveys, designs for the Decennial Census, research on record linkage and confidentiality protection.

Research is more important to us now than ever before. There is increased demand for data products, and the questions asked are becoming more complex and hard to measure. On the other hand, surveys and censuses are increasingly expensive and challenging to mount. The forum will describe research at the Census Bureau that is essential to reconciling these tendencies.

In certain postings, opinions and conclusions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Census Bureau. All results have been reviewed to ensure that no confidential information is disclosed.