Feedback from stakeholders and respondents has raised concerns about the prominent references to the mandatory participation in the American Community Survey (ACS). This report provides results of an experiment that the U.S. Census Bureau conducted to assess the impact on response, cost, and the reliability of survey estimates of four sets of proposed design changes to the ACS mail materials, using the September 2015 ACS panel.

Others in Series

WORKING PAPER | FEBRUARY 16, 2016

2014 American Community Survey (ACS) Internet Test

Learn about the 2014 Internet Test, which evaluated potential screen changes and ways to encourage respondents to return to the survey.

WORKING PAPER | MARCH 01, 2016

Researching Administrative Record Usage for ACS Income Question

Learn more about the potential for using administrative records to replace or supplement the income question on the American Community Survey.

WORKING PAPER | MARCH 15, 2016

Results to Reduce Respondent Contact Burden in ACS CAPI

Learn about the results of a pilot to address respondent concerns about the burden associated with the contact attempts made during the ACS CAPI operation.