Scientific Integrity

Our Nation relies on the products generated by the Federal statistical system to support the decisions of governments, businesses, households, and other organizations. The Census Bureau, along with our fellow Principal Statistical Agencies, has set a high standard of scientific integrity by embracing a common set of professional standards and operational practices designed to ensure the quality, integrity, and credibility of our statistical activities. This "Statement of Commitment to Scientific Integrity by Principal Statistical Agencies" [PDF 374kb] further commits each agency to following the guidance contained in the National Research Council of the National Academies (NRC) publication "Principles and Practices for a Federal Statistical Agency" Link to a non-federal Web site to guide strategic planning, daily operations, and stakeholder interaction.

The principles and practices contained in the NRC publication are complementary to Statistical Policy Directives and Information Quality Guidelines from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) that require statistical information provided to the public meets high quality standards, is objective, and useful. Through this "Statement of Commitment to Scientific Integrity", the Census Bureau and other principal statistical agencies resolve to hold themselves to a high standard in safeguarding the scientific integrity of, and ensuring the public's confidence in the statistical products we produce.