Considerations in determining the content of the 1970 census

This paper describes some of the factors that are being considered in planning the content of the 1970 Census. The key factor, is the conclusion by the top Bureau officials that the major needs for data in 1970 can be met by a schedule whose content is similar to that used in 1960. Although there will be some disagreement with this conclusion, it is based on a widespread sampling of opinion in which all interested parties were invited-indeed urged-to present their views.This framework places serious limitations on the opportunity to introduce innovations in schedule content. Since there appears to be no good reason-technical or otherwise-to drop items that were included in 1960, it is not likely that new items will be traded off for old ones. There also does not appear to be any good prospect that it will be possible for new items to be financed by savings in field procedures such as the mail-out mail-back approach. According to the best current estimates, this procedure may produce better coverage and a substantial capital improvement in the form of an address reqister; but it is not likely to result in any major savings in cost.The major innovation in the results produced by the 1970 Census will probably be in the greater availability of data for more small areas. It does not seem likely at present that there will be significant changes in content.