Enhancing 2030 Census: Exploring In-Field Self-Response Options
The U.S. Census Bureau is researching innovative ways to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the 2030 Census through in-field self-response options. By allowing respondents to complete questionnaires on their own or the enumerator's device, data quality may increase, respondent burden decrease, and privacy enhance. Potential variations in respondent engagement are also being considered to cater to diverse audiences effectively.
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2030 Census Research: Self 2030 Census Research: Self- -Response Options for In Options for In- -Field Enumeration Field Enumeration Response 2023 FedCASIC Workshops April 11, 2023 Christine Borman, U.S. Census Bureau Cleared for Public Release 1
Overview Overview Background In-Field Self-Response Options Possible Benefits Next Steps 2
Background: 2030 Census In Background: 2030 Census In- -Field Enumeration Field Enumeration The goal of the Decennial Census Program is to count everyone once, only once, and in the right place. In order to do that, field enumeration is necessary to enumerate people living at housing units that were occupied on April 1 (Census Day) that do not self-respond. We are currently in the design selection phase for the 2030 Census. During this phase, we are exploring innovative ways to enhance the science of census-taking. This is largely based on our experiences and lessons learned from the 2020 Census, with the goals of improving data quality, reducing respondent burden, and increasing operational efficiency. 3
In In- -Field Self Field Self- -Response Options Response Options The Census Bureau is exploring the feasibility of introducing self-response options to in-field enumeration, thereby providing an alternative(s) to traditional field interviews for the 2030 Census. We are researching options including allowing the respondent to complete their census questionnaire on the enumerator s device or on the respondent s own device. 4
Possible Benefits of Implementing In Possible Benefits of Implementing In- -Field Self Response Options Response Options Field Self- - Data quality may improve because it would reduce enumerator-induced errors, such as: o Enumerators entering in typos or incorrect spellings of names, races, and ethnicities. o Enumerators not reading the full question wording and/or response options. Item nonresponse rates may be similar to other self-response modes, and consequently, lower than for traditional in-field interviews. Respondent burden may decrease because reader comprehension and reading speed are typically better when compared to listening, as in a traditional field interview. Respondent privacy may increase, as respondents won t have to verbally give their responses to the enumerators. 5
Potential Differences in Respondent Engagement Potential Differences in Respondent Engagement Respondent engagement may vary, whether the respondent is answering the questionnaire on their own device or on the enumerator s. This might be more effective for some audiences, such as refusal cases or language barriers, where the enumerator doesn t speak the same language as the respondent. However, it may not be as effective for all nonresponding households, some of which may not respond without further engagement from enumerators. 6
Next Steps Next Steps 1) Assess the technical feasibility of providing self-response options during in-field interviews. 2) Gauge public interest in the option for self-response during in-field interviewing. 3) Develop field procedures and quality control mechanisms. 7
Questions or Feedback? Questions or Feedback? Please let me know how likely you would be to respond Please let me know how likely you would be to respond using an in using an in- -field self field self- -response option by emailing me response option by emailing me below. below. Christine Borman U.S. Census Bureau Christine.Flanagan.Borman@census.gov 8
