Small-Area Income and Poverty Estimates Priorities for 2000 and Beyond (2000) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:
7 Recommendations for Producers and Users
7 Recommendations for Producers and Users
Pages 161-166
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From page 161... ...
In this concluding chapter we recommend practices that we believe should be followed in the production of small-area estimates, documentation that users of estimates should expect from producers, studies that users should undertake of the effects of estimates on programs, and the need for policy makers to consider carefully the strengths and weaknesses of alternative sources of estimates in selecting which ones to use for fund allocation and other program purposes. Policy makers also need to consider the design of formula provisions as they interact with the properties of estimates.
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From page 162... ...
that use multiple data sources and sophisticated statistical techniques is a major effort that includes many operations. These operations include data acquisition and review, database development, geographic mapping and coding of data, methodological research, model development and testing, production of estimates (together with estimates of their error properties)
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From page 163... ...
It is particularly important to document the effects on estimates when there is a change in data sources-for example, if the existing Current Population Survey-based SAIPE models are turned into American Community Survey-based models. Methodological Research: Model Development and Testing It is important for a producing agency to have resources to carry out research on methods that may improve the estimates in terms of their variability, bias, and timeliness (see Chapter 3~.
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From page 164... ...
Over time, the internal evaluations should focus on identifying consistent biases that may appear for multiple estimation years, and research and development should be directed to understanding and reducing those biases to the extent possible. It is expected that random variation will produce anomalies in estimates in any given year; however, persistent patterns need to be investigated and addressed through such means as trying out alternative model specifications.
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From page 165... ...
Studies of fund allocation effects will require maintaining a database of each year's allocations and having the capability to analyze allocation patterns in relation to program provisions and the type and quality of estimates, including the capability to simulate alternative provisions and estimates. Such studies should help inform policy makers about the operation of formulas and how changes in formulas or the estimates used could achieve the program's goals more effectively.
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From page 166... ...
Because it may be difficult to take account of such information in the heat of debate on particular legislation, it is important for policy makers to commission periodic assessments or take other steps to identify key issues and develop detailed alternatives for consideration in the early stages of crafting new or modified program legislation. Such assessments can also contribute to regular reviews by policy makers of the provisions of existing allocation formulas that use small-area estimates.
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