Adjusting the 1980 census of population and housing

"In 1980, several cities and states sued the U.S. Census Bureau to correct census results. This correction would adjust for the differential undercounting of Blacks and Hispanics, especially in cities. In this article, the authors, each of whom testified for New York City and State in their joint lawsuit against the Census Bureau, describe the likely pattern of the undercount and present a method to adjust for it." The authors describe available methods for data adjustment and introduce a regression-based composite method of adjustment, which is used to estimate the undercounts for 66 areas. "As expected, we find that the highest undercount rates are in large cities, and the lowest are in states and state remainders with small percentages of Blacks and Hispanics. Next, we analyze how sensitive our estimates are to changes in data and modeling assumptions. We find that these changes do not affect the estimates very much. Our conclusion is that regardless of whether we use one of the simple methods or the composite method and regardless of how we vary the assumptions of the composite method, an adjustment reliably reduces population shares in states with few minorities and increases the shares of large cities."     

Toward the All-Union population census of 1989

Preparations for the next census of the USSR, scheduled for 1989, are outlined. The program for trial censuses to be held in 1986 and 1987 is described, and proposed changes and additions based on previous censuses are listed.     

Topical scope of the 1988 national population census

This article reviews the questionnaire that has been prepared for the 1988 census of Poland. Changes in the questions from those asked in previous censuses are noted.     

From the history of the 1937 census of population

This is a history of the 1937 census of the USSR, the results of which were suppressed because of an alleged massive undercount. The author attempts to determine whether there was in fact an undercount in this census, and if so how significant it was. He concludes that those responsible were not guilty of producing a significant undercount, and in fact employed the methods required to keep the undercount to a bare mimimum.     

Coverage of the Great Britain census of population and housing

The extent of the undercount in the 1991 U.K. census and its consequences are described. The author notes that "the 1.2 million non-response, the difference between the published census figure and the final population estimate, is concentrated among young adults aged 20-34 years, particularly males, but includes significant numbers of young children and of very elderly people (80 years old and older)." Ways to reduce the level of non-response in future censuses are discussed.     

Topic selection for the Australian census of population and housing

"We describe how topics were selected for the Australian Census of Population and Housing. Australia has adopted an open assessment of topics submitted by users and the general public and then performed field tests of difficult or sensitive questions. For the 1986 Census, special attention was given to the development of a census question on ethnic origin."     

Migration in the light of Poland's 1978 national population census

Internal migration trends in Poland are reviewed for the pre-1939 and post-World War II periods using 1978 census data for voivodships.     

Issues concerning the content and methodology of the upcomming population census

The author examines the content and methodology of the 1989 Soviet census. Items to be included in the questionnaires for both the total population and the 25 percent sample survey are described. The author notes that questions on housing will be included for the first time. Other topics considered include reliability of data, confidentiality, and organization.