SURV672

The U.S. statistical system and its goals are reviewed. The federal statistical agencies are described, and their primary missions and data collections are examined. The statistical systems of other countries are compared with the U.S. system. Organizational and budgetary aspects are presented. Students will learn about organizations and groups outside of the Federal Statistical System that affect the actions of the System. These include other governmental units, professional associations, and advisory groups created by the agencies themselves. Students will review current laws regarding privacy and confidentiality affecting government agency work and consider a variety of ethical issues confronting government statisticians.