Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock (
) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Topics
Data & Maps
Surveys & Programs
Resource Library
Results of the 1980 Applied Behavior Analysis Survey or What People Do With Their Census Forms
Results of the 1980 Applied Behavior Analysis Survey or What People Do With Their Census Forms
RSM2007-32
Abstract
Interviews (n = 8550) were conducted with respondents in 20 districts to determine from whom, how and why nonresponse occurs in decennial census surveys. Results clarified that there are five stages in the return process: 1) receipt of the form; 2) opening the envelope; 3) starting to fill out the form; 4) finishing the form; and 5) mailing the form. Mail return rates varied by race/ethnicity, income, exposure to census publicity and information on nonreturn penalties, and district office type, but were not affected by receipt of a long vs. short form. The primary contributor to nonmail return was reported nonreceipt of the form, which occurred most frequently among low-income households, households that do not receive mail directly to their door or mailbox, and households in multi-unit structures. Perceived difficulty of the form negatively related to starting to fill out the form, while form length and household size negatively related to finishing the form.
Others in Series
Working Paper
Using Vignettes to Study the Meaning of "Work" in the CPS
A special respondent study was conducted in 1988 to learn more about how respondents understand and formulate their answers to the labor force questions.
Working Paper
Using Cognitive Research to Improve Design of the Decennial Form
Using a multi-stage approach, the effects of design and question wording on the 1990 census decennial long form on responses were examined.
Working Paper
Procedural Difficulties in Taking Past Censuses
Our expanded topic includes census-taking problems that affect the entire population.
Related Information
Page Last Revised - October 8, 2021
✕
Is this page helpful?
Yes
No
Yes
No✕
NO THANKS
255 characters maximum
255 characters maximum reached
255 characters maximum reached
✕
Thank you for your feedback.
Comments or suggestions?
Comments or suggestions?
