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How the 1990 Post Enumeration Survey transformed the census adjustment controversy
Applied Demography
|January 1, 1992
Summary
The 1990 Post Enumeration Survey (PES) revealed that while census undercount effects were exaggerated, they persist. This data is crucial for understanding U.S. census accuracy and demographic representation.
Area of Science:
- Demography
- Statistical Science
- Public Policy
Background:
- The U.S. census has faced historical challenges with undercounts, particularly in specific demographic groups.
- A notable controversy involved the 1980 census undercount and subsequent legal action by New York City against the U.S. Bureau of the Census.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and explain the methodology of the Post Enumeration Survey (PES) implemented after the 1990 census.
- To measure census coverage, including undercounts, by geographic location, race, and ethnicity, addressing limitations of previous census evaluations.
Main Methods:
- The study describes the Post Enumeration Survey (PES) as a tool for assessing census accuracy.
- PES was designed to provide detailed undercount data by place, race, and ethnicity, a novel capability.
Main Results:
- The 1990 PES indicated that the negative impacts of differential undercounts were less severe than previously claimed.
- However, the survey confirmed that census undercounts and their consequences remain a persistent issue.
Conclusions:
- While the severity of undercount effects may have been overstated, undercounts persist and continue to influence demographic data.
- The PES provides essential data for evaluating and improving future census operations and understanding representation.
Keywords:
AmericasCensusCultural BackgroundDemographic FactorsDeveloped CountriesEconomic FactorsError SourcesEthnic GroupsFinancial ActivitiesFundsGeographic FactorsGovernmentMeasurementNew YorkNorth AmericaNorthern AmericaPolitical FactorsPopulationPopulation CharacteristicsPopulation StatisticsResearch MethodologySampling StudiesStudiesSurveysUndercountUnited StatesMore Related Videos
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