The accuracy and coverage evaluation: Theory and design

This paper discusses both the general question of designing a post-enumeration survey, and how these general questions were addressed in the U.S. Census Bureau's coverage measurement planned as part of Census 2000. It relates the basic concepts of the Dual System Estimator to questions of the definition and measurement of correct enumerations, the measurement of census omissions, operational independence, reporting of residence, and the role of after-matching reinterview. It discusses estimation issues such as the treatment of movers, missing data, and synthetic estimation of local corrected population size. It also discusses where the design failed in Census 2000.