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Topics
Data & Maps
Surveys & Programs
Resource Library
ACS Research & Evaluation Program
The Research and Evaluation program conducts research and evaluation projects, including survey methodology research, important for the improvement of the ACS.
Working Paper
Acreage Administrative Records Data Research for the American Community Survey
This report contains results of research that led to an innovative approach to using administrative records on the American Community Survey.
Working Paper
Testing of 2020 ACS Strategic Framework Mail Materials
Alternative designs used plain language principles, color, icons, pictures, and novel structure.
Working Paper
Understanding Changes in Bachelor's Degree Attainment
This working paper uses ACS 5-year datasets to examine county-level changes in educational attainment from 2005 to 2019.
Working Paper
2021 ACS Strategic Framework Mail Materials Test Report
This report discusses the effect of new ACS mail materials, which were designed holistically using best practices in communications, on survey response.
Working Paper
2021 Regional Office Internet Letter Test
This report discusses the results of an experiment testing the effect of changes to the Internet Letter set during the CAPI operation.
Working Paper
2021 Initial Mailing Pressure Seal Test
This report discusses the results of an experiment testing the use of a pressure seal letter for the first ACS mailing instead of an initial mail package.
Working Paper
Cognitive Testing of the 2019 American Community Survey Due Date Test
Testing of a due date message in the 5th ACS mailing, which is the final opportunity to motivate a self-response prior to the more costly in-person operation.
Working Paper
Comparing Census Bureau Media Coverage and Federal Survey Cooperation
Study uses media listening tools to examine associations between mentions in the news media of decennial census and respondent cooperation.
Working Paper
Testing of the Login Screen for the American Community Survey
Testing of a redesigned login screen of the online version of the American Community Survey
Working Paper
2022 ACS Content Test: Round 3 Cognitive Testing Results
This report summarizes results from Round 3 of cognitive testing, which gathered feedback from individuals in groups quarters facilities and Puerto Rico.
Working Paper
2022 ACS Content Test: Round 1 and Round 2 Cognitive Testing Results
This report summarizes results from two rounds of cognitive testing for the 2022 ACS Content Test.
Working Paper
Respondent Device Analysis for the Internet Instrument on the American Community Survey
This report discusses the analysis on the device types used to respond using the internet instrument for the American Community Survey.
Working Paper
Addressing Nonresponse Bias in the ACS Using Administrative Data
Learn how the pandemic disrupted ACS data collection in 2020 and why the 2020 ACS 1-year estimates will be released as an experimental product.
Working Paper
Measuring Respondents’ Perceptions of Burden in the ACS
Study includes a literature review, focus groups, and cognitive interviews to examine possible sources of burden in the ACS.
Working Paper
Testing of the 2020 American Community Survey Mailing Materials
Testing of mailing materials designed to distinguish the ACS from the 2020 Census and communicating that response to both is mandatory.
Working Paper
An Assessment of the COVID-19 Pandemic’s Impact on the 2020 ACS 1-Year Data
Learn how the pandemic disrupted ACS data collection in 2020 and why the 2020 ACS 1-year estimates will be released as an experimental product.
Working Paper
ACS Due Dates Test
This report discusses the results of an experiment testing the use of a due date in the ACS mail materials.
Working Paper
2020 Specialized Mail Materials Test
Learn about an experiment testing the effect on self-response of using specialized 2020 Census wording in the ACS mail contact materials during the 2020 Census.
Working Paper
2018 ACS Mail Materials Test Report
Learn about an evaluation of messaging in the 2018 ACS mail materials and recommendations for improving the messaging.
Working Paper
Assessment of Messaging in the 2018 American Community Survey Mail Contact Materials
Learn about an evaluation of messaging in the 2018 ACS mail materials and recommendations for improving the messaging.
Research
Cognitive Pretesting of the ACS Respondent Comment/Feedback Item
Testing to develop wording that would allow ACS respondents to provide feedback at the end of the survey rather than having to contact the Census Bureau.
Working Paper
Response Consistency between the Detailed Race and Hispanic Origin Questions from the 2016 ACS Content Test and the Ancestry Question
Learn more about the difference between the ACS questions pertaining to race and ancestry or ethnic origin, and the potential changes for the 2020 ACS.
Working Paper
Use of Admin Records to Replace or Enhance Facilities & Fuel Type
Learn more about the potential for using administrative records to capture information about utilities and appliances on the ACS.
Working Paper
Use of Administrative Records to Replace or Enhance Questions about Housing Characteristics on the American Community Survey
Learn more about the potential for using administrative records to capture housing and property tax information on the ACS.
Working Paper
Housing Administrative Record Simulation
Learn more about how the Census Bureau tested using administrative records to simulate housing estimates in the American Community Survey.
Working Paper
2017 ACS Mail Design Test
Learn more about potential changes to ACS mail materials and their impact on response rates and costs.
Working Paper
Analysis of Complaints Received
Learn more about the types of complaints expressed by respondents regarding the American Community Survey (ACS).
Working Paper
Investigation into the Use of Alternate Records Sources for Institutional Group Quarters
Learn more about sources of administrative data that could potentially supplement survey data for people living in correctional institutions and nursing homes.
Working Paper
Use of Administrative Records to Replace or Enhance the Mortgage/Home Equity Loan Amount & Payment Questions on the American Community Survey
Learn more about the potential for using administrative records to capture mortgage data on the ACS.
Working Paper
2017 Pressure Seal Mailing Materials Test
Learn more about the impact of replacing some letters and postcards in the ACS mail materials with pressure seal mailers.
Working Paper
Strategic Framework for Messaging in the ACS Mail Materials
Learn about cross-disciplinary messaging research and the development of a strategic framework for messaging in the ACS mail contact materials.
Working Paper
Usability Testing of the ACS on Smartphones and Tablets - Phase II
Learn more about whether the redesigned, mobile-friendly screens improved the respondent’s experience when completing the ACS using a smartphone or tablet.
Working Paper
Investigating the Use of Cellular Telephone Numbers in ACS CATI
Learn more about the impact of including cellular phone numbers along with landline numbers for collecting ACS data.
Working Paper
Evaluation of Changes Implemented in the 2016 ACS Internet Instrument
Learn more about how the 2016 changes to the ACS internet data collection instrument improved the respondent’s experience.
Working Paper
Replacing/Supplementing Sale of Agricultural Products Question on ACS
Learn more about the potential for using IRS data to replace or supplement the sale of agricultural products question on the ACS.
Working Paper
Cognitive Testing of the ACS Respondent Burden: Weeks Worked & Income
Learn more about how the Census Bureau is gathering feedback on the Weeks Worked and Income questions on the ACS that could help reduce burden for respondents.
Page Last Revised - August 10, 2023
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