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United States Census Analyzing Census Data (view source)
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'''''Primary vs. secondary census information.''''' A census schedule shows a mix of primary and secondary information. Residence on a census is primary information because the census taker stood at the door of the house asking questions. But most of the other data are secondary. Usually other more primary sources would better document names, relationship to head-of-house, age, marital status, education, place of birth, citizenship, occupation, or military service. But it is best to corroborate one piece of data with several independent sources that agree, even if the information is secondary census data. | '''''Primary vs. secondary census information.''''' A census schedule shows a mix of primary and secondary information. Residence on a census is primary information because the census taker stood at the door of the house asking questions. But most of the other data are secondary. Usually other more primary sources would better document names, relationship to head-of-house, age, marital status, education, place of birth, citizenship, occupation, or military service. But it is best to corroborate one piece of data with several independent sources that agree, even if the information is secondary census data. | ||
'''''Accuracy.''''' Most of the time the census got it right, but . . . Ages on a census and the spelling of names are especially prone to error whether by mistake or deliberate. Old immigration dates on a census may have been remembered | '''''Accuracy.''''' Most of the time the census got it right, but . . . Ages on a census and the spelling of names are especially prone to error whether by mistake or deliberate. Old immigration dates on a census may have been remembered incorrectly. A member of a racial minority may have hesitated to reveal their race to a census taker. Tired census takers may have taken sloppy notes, or struggled to understand a thick foreign accent. Censuses are an important source but should be compared with all other censuses and other documents before relying too heavily on their information. | ||
'''''Corroboration.''''' The best tools to bring to bear on analyzing censuses are the consistency of the data when compared with other censuses and other sources. Do '''''independent''''' sources created without reference to each other agree on the facts?<sup>4</sup> Are there any contradictory sources? If so, can you explain the contradictions? | '''''Corroboration.''''' The best tools to bring to bear on analyzing censuses are the consistency of the data when compared with other censuses and other sources. Do '''''independent''''' sources created without reference to each other agree on the facts?<sup>4</sup> Are there any contradictory sources? If so, can you explain the contradictions? | ||