National Statistics

Issues of measurement accuracy, data quality, and statistical methodology cut across all areas of scientific inquiry. The Committee on National Statistics works to improve the statistical information and methods for public policy decision making and research. It also serves to help integrate the nation’s highly decentralized federal statistical system. The Committee convenes study panels and workshops in five broad areas:

Health and social welfare. The Committee conducts studies on poverty measurement, household food security, disability, and data to inform policies on food, nutrition, and health. Committee studies also address research and data needs to assess changes in social welfare programs.

The decennial census and major household and business surveys. The Committee conducts studies on planning, implementing, and evaluating the decennial census and the New American Community Survey. The Committee advises on methods for major national surveys, from the Dynamics of Economic Well-Being System to surveys of agricultural and government finance, and identifies needs for new surveys on special populations like children and the elderly.

Economic measurement. Topics include price and cost-of-living measurement, national income and product accounting, valuation of environmental and other nonmarket activities, estimation of the fiscal effects of immigration, and improving data on entrepreneurship and small business dynamics, investment in research and development, and time us of the population.

Developing and applying statistical methods. The topics of the Committee’s methodological studies include measuring racial discrimination, allocation of federal funds, and operational testing and evaluation of defense systems.

Principles and practices for statistical agencies and data users. Studies on such topics as respecting privacy, ensuring confidentiality, sharing research data, and ensuring objectivity for federal statistics are central to the Committee’s mission.

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