1. Social, Economic, and Housing Statistics Data and Research Opportunities
Alfred O. Gottschalck, Ph.D.
Assistant Division Chief
Social, Economic, and Housing Statistics Division (SEHSD)
Small Area and Longitudinal Estimates
U.S. Census Bureau
University of Texas-Austin Federal Statistical Research Data Center
Austin, Texas
December 13, 2017
Hello and thank you for the opportunity to talk with you about my division and some of the exciting work we are doing. It is always a nice experience to be able to talk with others in the federal statistical and academic communities. I work in the Social, Economic, and Housing Statistics Division or “Seaside.” I know, how do you get seaside out of SEHSD? Well, our former DC, wanted to use a beach picture he had and it is close. But yes, it is a stretch. If you have any questions as I talk, please feel free to stop me and I will be happy to answer your question.

2. Agenda Evolution of data collection and processing
Revolution in data availability and use
Adapting to the changing survey methodology landscape
Who makes up SEHSD? What does SEHSD do?
Data, data, and more data
Research opportunities
Conclusion and discussion

3. Evolution of Data Collection and Processing…
Panel A: Tabulating Machine (1910). Panel B: Punch Card Sorter (1920). Panel C: Film Optical Sensing Device for Input to Computer (FOSDIC) machine (1960)
In the last century, innovation at the Census Bureau took place in the form of improvements made to fielding surveys or processing data. The pictures highlight technological innovation in the 20th century — tabulating machines, punch card readers, and advances like the Film Optical Sensing Device for Input to Computer (FOSDIC) machine, which read survey responses much as we process standardized tests. These innovations led to increased efficiencies and decreased costs associated with data collection and processing.

4. …Revolution in Data Availability and Use
Federal statistical data
Administrative data
Third-party
data
Powerful and constantly changing, with risks and opportunities.

5. The Changing Survey Methodology Landscape
Traditional surveys are becoming increasingly costly to field and collect data for
Respondent burden
Data (some but not all) collected via surveys now available through alternative sources
Efficiencies can be obtained by utilizing all available data over all phases of the survey life cycle (e.g., sampling, interviewing, collection, processing, evaluation, quality control, etc.)
As I said earlier, the Census Bureau collects data about the economy and the people living in the United States from many different sources. Some data are collected from respondents directly (including businesses), through the censuses and surveys we conduct.
Bullets 1 and 2
We also collect additional data from other sources. Primary sources for additional data are federal, state, and local governments, as well as some commercial entities. These types of data are generally called “administrative data.”
These data are reused to cut the cost of data collection and research, and also to reduce the burden on people who respond to our census and survey questions. By reusing data that already exists elsewhere, and linking it to census and survey data, the Census Bureau is able to conduct research that allows us to see the larger picture about the people and economy of the United States. By combining these data together, researchers can answer questions we couldn’t answer before. This type of research allows the Census Bureau to help other government agencies better understand how their programs are working, and where they could be improved.

6. How to adapt to this changing landscape?
Be a research-driven organization
Guard against insular thinking
Fully leverage external data sources

7. SEHSD’s Mission
“In concert with others at the Bureau, we compile, analyze, and publish timely and accurate data on the physical, social, and financial characteristics of the Nation's housing, on its use and occupancy, and on the income, labor force, and other socioeconomic characteristics of the Nation's households, families, and individuals.”
The Census Bureau collects data about the economy and the people living in the United States from many different sources. To meet this goal, SEHSD…and I’ll give you a minute to read the statement…as you can see, we cover a lot of ground in regard to data collected by the Bureau…so let me describe how we meet this mission.

8. About SEHSD
Provides subject-matter expertise across the survey methodology and social science disciplines, such as statistics, demography, economics, and sociology
Plays a significant role in all aspects of the survey life cycle, from questionnaire design to dissemination, in addition to evaluating data for quality and accuracy
Develops new and innovative data and research products
Are subject matter reviewers of FSRDC proposals
So to meet this mission…SEHSD provides…

9. Data Available Decennial Censuses
full count long- and short-form census data (when possible)
Household and individual level demographic, socio-economic, program participation, education, household characteristics, etc.
Yearly American Community Survey (ACS)
2006 – 2015 (full), (small, no GQ), (limited)
1.5 percent of the U.S. population

10. Data Available (2) Current Population Survey Supplements
Annual Social and Economic Supplement (ASEC) or March
Fertility Supplement ( ), Food Security ( ), School enrollment ( ), Tobacco Use ( ), Unbanked ( ), Volunteer ( ), Voter Registration ( )
American Housing Survey (AHS)
Some years from ; ~50,000 households per year
Core questions: Home condition, occupant characteristics, home improvements, housing costs, home values, characteristics of recent movers, etc.
Topical questions vary by year

11. Data Available (3) Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP)
2-4 year household panels; interviews ~every 4 months for ; beginning with the 2014 panel, interviews every year
Typically, 14,000 to 52,000 households each panel
Core topics: demographics, educational attainment, labor force participation, income dynamics, health insurance coverage, program participation
Topical modules vary by panel

12. Research Opportunities: Microdata
Restricted versus public microdata:
More geographic detail
Additional variables
More observations; published as well as unpublished data
Uncensored variables (e.g., income)
Additional detail within variables

13. Research Opportunities: Ability to Leverage Bureau Knowledge
Enables one to move up the data learning curve faster
Learn about existing work and research
Opportunity to provide focused input and feedback

14. Recent Examples of Collaborations
National Institute on Retirement Security: Interested in working with the SIPP Social Security Administration (SSA) research file.  They were able to discuss these data with SEHSD staff via the RDC infrastructure prior to public release and gain a better understanding of the redesigned SIPP survey.
A researcher found that the prevalence of Medicare was lower than expected for adults 65 and older in the 2014 SIPP, and this difference was driven by the topic-flag imputation. This exchange led to the findings being passed on to our imputation team and we have now been able to improve our imputation of Medicare for the planned 2018 SIPP Panel.
“Measurement Error in Public Health Insurance Reporting in the American Community Survey: Evidence from Record Linkage.”  Health Services Research, April 2015 (M. Boudreaux, K. Call, J. Turner, B. Fried, and B. O’Hara).

15. Conclusion Ongoing revolution in data availability and use
SEHSD plays a significant role in adapting to this changing survey methodology and data landscape by providing subject-matter expertise across the survey methodology and social science disciplines
FSRDCs provide:
Access to more detailed microdata
Ability to leverage Bureau knowledge
Opportunity to develop partnerships

16. Contact Information
Alfred O. Gottschalck, Ph.D.
Assistant Division Chief
Small Area and Longitudinal Estimates
Social, Economic, and Housing Statistics Division

17. Questions and Discussion