Using both Internet and field collection methods for the 2006 Census of Population and Dwellings The 2006 Online Census Form.

Using both Internet and field collection methods for the 2006 Census of Population and Dwellings

The 2006 Online Census Form

Background

• Key drivers for change

– To improve/maintain participation in the census and give people choice

– Improve aspects of census data quality

Challenges faced and lessons learned

1. Managing the impact on existing processes

2. Managing stakeholder expectations

3. Statistical – quantitative and qualitative data

4. Technical – IT environment

1. Managing the impact on existing processes• Communication

– Communication on doorstep most crucial aspect to promotion– Interest at doorstep not equal to actual uptake– Uptake from low Internet usage sample (5.6%)– Uptake patterns consistent with previous tests

2. Managing stakeholder expectations

• E-government requirements– By June 2004, the Internet will be the dominant means of enabling

ready access to government information and services

– By June 2007, networks and Internet technologies will be integral to the delivery of government information and services

– By June 2010, the operation of government will have been transformed through its use of the Internet

• Perceptions of security– Statistics New Zealand Public Attitude Survey showed 5% felt

Internet was most secure method for data transfer

– GO2002 – 31% of New Zealanders consider Internet safe to use

– GO2003 – 35% of New Zealanders consider Internet safe to use

3. Statistical – quantitative and qualitative data

• Data validations and edits

• Respondent burden

• Quality of data

• Time series data

4. Technical – IT environment

• Usability

• Uptake/loading

• Privacy/confidentiality

• Security

• Integration

Demonstration

Main changes

• Changes being made– New branding and logo

– Titles updated from 'Dress Rehearsal' to 'Census’

– Question changes from paper form

– Additional help/information content

– Revised ‘Contact Us’

– Separate text-only pages for screenreaders

– Support for JAWS and Hal screenreaders

– Hidden – compatibility with OS and browsers

Conclusion

• Learning gained from 2006 implementation• Expectations

– Government – less resources/lower cost

– Population – use of Internet to provide data

• Greater efficiency and effectiveness for 2011– Less paper forms

– Less enumerators in the field

– Better quality data

– Less form capture through imaging

• Savings both expected and realised for 2011