CNSTAT HOMEPAGE

The Committee on National Statistics (CNSTAT) is an independent and objective resource for evaluating and improving the work of the highly decentralized U.S. federal statistical system. It undertakes studies from a broad range of statistical, research, and program agencies of the federal government. (WHAT IS CNSTAT?)

To improve the statistical methods and information on which public policy decisions are based, CNSTAT works to foster state-of-the-art data collection and estimation methods for a wide range of federal statistical activities, to further the application of statistics to better implement and evaluate federal programs, and to strengthen the development and accessibility of data for social, economic, and other scientific research. Every 4 years it publishes the influential volume, Principles and Practices for a Federal Statistical Agency

The work of CNSTAT is guided by an interdisciplinary committee of about 15 experts in applied statistics, biostatistics, economics, demography, sociology, survey research, statistical agency management, and operations research. (MEMBERSHIP)

The Committee on National Statistics is located within the Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education of the National Research Council (NRC), the operating arm of the National Academies. (THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES)

This site is intended to provide up-to-date information on the Committee's activities and findings. For those seeking specific statistical information or data, links to numerous statistical agencies have been provided for your convenience. (OTHER SITES OF INTEREST). We are, of course, happy to answer questions about any of our publications, projects, or public meetings. Please send any questions or comments to cnstat@nas.edu.