Center for Behavioral Science Methods (CBSM) applies behavioral science methods to the design and evaluation of Census Bureau data collection instruments and information products, and conducts methodological research to improve the quality of data from surveys and censuses.

Research & Expertise

The Center for Behavioral Science Methods research centers around these broad areas of expertise:

Questionnaire Design and Evaluation - Focuses on developing question wording so that the intent of the question is clear and respondents are able and willing to provide an accurate answer. Activities include assessing respondents’ comprehension of the question, their strategies and thought processes when formulating and choosing a final answer, and assessing and reducing barriers in providing an accurate answer.
Multilingual and Cross-Cultural Studies - Specializes in questionnaire design and pretesting of non-English survey instruments, recruitment materials, interviewing procedures and other data collection materials. Also researches the impact of language on the data quality and addresses cross-cultural issues in the context and framing of questions.
Usability and Human Factors Research - Studies the usability of online survey instruments, on both desktop computers and mobile devices, to improve respondents’ ease of use with the goal of reducing measurement error and increasing participation, reducing non-response error.
Data Analytics Research - Evaluates paradata and other emerging data sources for insights to reduce measurement error and guide survey design decisions, and develops statistical models to improve understanding of the various contributors to total survey error.
Research Platforms and Applications - Incorporates new technology and methods to evaluate data collection, processing, interpretation, and dissemination; applies established methods to evaluate quality of emerging data sources such as administrative records.

Other Subtopics Within 'Research'

Administrative Records

View information on Administrative Records for Research at the U.S. Census Bureau.

Big Data

Learn how the U.S. Census Bureau is using new types of data and analysis to improve and strengthen our statistics.

Data Science

View information on Data Science for Research at the U.S. Census Bureau.

Disclosure Avoidance

Learn more about areas of statistical disclosure control, confidentiality, and disclosure limitation.

Federal Statistical Research Data Centers

The Federal Statistical System Research Data Centers are partnerships between federal statistical agencies and leading research institutions.

General Economic Research

View information on General Economic Research at the U.S. Census Bureau.

Mortality Disparities in American Communities (MDAC)

Research database on 2008 American Community Survey respondents and a follow-up of mortality outcomes through 2015.

Paradata

View information on Paradata for Research at the U.S. Census Bureau.

Statistical Research

CSRM conducts research on statistical design, modeling, and analysis methods for the Census Bureau's data collection, analysis, and dissemination programs.

Time Series and Seasonal Adjustment

Seasonal adjustment is the estimation of the seasonal component, followed by their removal from the time series.