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Data-Driven Decision-making

Data-driven decision-making is the practice of using statistics, surveys, and records to inform what government does. Agencies collect information on people, health, schools, and the economy, and then use it to target services and judge results. The Census Bureau, health and education agencies, and statistical offices produce much of the data.

People usually ask how surveys such as the census and the American Community Survey differ, how agencies use the numbers, and how data on vaccine safety or schools shapes policy. They also ask how reliable government data is and how it is kept up to date.

3articles
December 27last updated

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Referenced by Brookings, CNN, Forbes, Fox News, Pew Research, Snopes, The Hill and USA Today.

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All Articles on Data-Driven Decision-making

The Census vs. The American Community Survey

Every American knows about the U.S. Census—that massive once-a-decade count that's been happening since 1790. Far fewer know about its powerful partner, the American…

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The American Community Survey, Explained

The American Community Survey (ACS) is an ongoing, annual survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau that serves as the nation's premier source for…

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Vaccine Safety and VAERS: A Guide

Vaccine safety in the United States doesn't rely on a single checkpoint - it's protected by a comprehensive, multi-layered system that begins years before…

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