Statement of Work
Professor Mick Couper is one of the nation’s leading experts on survey non-response, the design and implementation of survey data collection with emphasis on usability development and assessment, the effects of technology on the survey process, and computer-assisted interviewing, including Audio Computer Assisted Self Interviewing (ACASI.) The Census Bureau will benefit from Dr. Couper’s expertise, especially his knowledge of and experience with the design and implementation of ACASI.
Dr. Mick Couper will serve as a Senior Research Fellow in the Demographic Surveys Division of the US Census Bureau to provide consultation on the National Health Interview Survey Audio Computer Assisted Self Interviewing. He will work collaboratively with Census Bureau staff to consult on ACASI instrument design issues and effective training techniques consistent with industry best practices. He will also assist in defining and implementing a test plan for usability of the ACASI module, and develop a strategy for monitoring the effects of the ACASI module to include the use of paradata.
This assignment requires access to sensitive data protected under the National Center for Health Statistic’s confidentiality provisions, including Section 308(d) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242m(d)), the Privacy Act of 1974, and the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2002. Dr. Couper shall sign the NCHS’ Affidavit of Non-Disclosure to protect the confidentiality of the data. Additionally, in case of inadvertent access to sensitive data protected by Title 13, Section 9, Dr. Couper shall maintain Special Sworn Status (13 U.S.C. 23(c)) throughout this assignment and undergo all required training. Dr. Couper shall not be permitted to leave the Census Bureau with any data protected by NCHS’ confidentiality provisions or Title 13, Section 9. Requests to publish or take outside the Census Bureau reports or analyses prepared by Dr. Couper as part of the IPA assignment must be approved by the Census Bureau and NCHS.
Funding:
Commerce, Department of-Office of the Secretary
Funding Period:
03/12/2012 to 09/30/2013