IA Slams Census Bureau Plan to Build Probability Panel

US-based trade association the Insights Association (IA) has called a Census Bureau plan to commission an insights agency to help develop a probability-based nationwide representative survey panel as 'duplicative', because numerous organizations already provide such panels.

In comments filed about the bureau's proposed 'Ask US Panel' earlier this month, IA explained that insights providers such as Ipsos, NORC at the University of Chicago, Dynata, SSRS, Gallup and others already maintain probability-based research panels that could meet any needs of the bureau or other federal agencies, and plenty of other insights companies and organizations with panels could provide probability-based panels if requested. In addition, the IA claims that the initiative would put an unnecessary financial cost to the American taxpayer.

The proposed Ask US Panel project would involve designing, building and maintaining an online research panel to deliver public opinion and methodological research by statistical agencies and non-profit organizations. The aim is that it will comprise a new probability sample of US adults who are not members of an existing survey panel.

IA also said that the idea would result in the Census Bureau competing directly with private sector insights providers, adding: 'We applaud the Census Bureau for their ongoing innovation and dedication to serve as the leading source of the highest quality and most representative data for the nation's people and economy. However, the Insights Association is gravely concerned about the rationale and need for the Ask US Panel given numerous commercially-viable alternatives.'

Web site: www.insightsassociation.org .