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Training Presentations part of the American Community Survey's Compass Products

Presentations for data users

Want to learn more about American Community Survey (ACS) data and data products? Need to train others how to understand the data? These compass presentations can help.

Screenshot of an Overview of the American Community Survey presentation An Overview of the American Community Survey [PPT 5.0MB]
Speaker Notes [PDF 52KB]
Basics of the American Community Survey program and website, with information on content, survey methodology, and data products. How the ACS supplements the 10-year census with continuous social, economic, housing, and demographic data.

screenshot of the Data Products from the American Community Survey presentation Data Products from the American Community Survey [PPT 2.4MB]
Speaker Notes [PDF 53KB]
Examples and suggestions for using data profiles, tables, and Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) Files. How period estimates and sampling error measures could affect your results.

Screenshot of Things that May Affect the Estimates from the American Community Survey presentation cover Things that May Affect the Estimates from the American Community Survey [PPT 215KB]
Speaker Notes [PDF 60KB]
Because the American Community Survey is a sample survey, sampling error is inevitable. How 4 different measures of sampling error are calculated, what they mean, and how you can use them to draw appropriate conclusions. Plus a brief look at non-sampling error and population controls.

Screenshot of Understanding Multiyear Estimates from the American Community Survey presentation Understanding Multiyear Estimates from the American Community Survey [PPT 592KB]
Speaker Notes [PDF 49KB]
Explains 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year period estimates and when to use each one. Introduction to interpreting the data and making comparisons using multiyear estimates.

Screenshot of Geographic Areas and Concepts for the American Community Survey presentation Geographic Areas and Concepts for the American Community Survey [PPT 2.3MB]
Speaker Notes [PDF 45KB]
Get the most out of ACS data by knowing how geographic areas are defined in different ways and different estimates. The difference between legal and administrative areas is important.

Introduction to the Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) File from the American Community Survey [PPT 612KB]
Speaker Notes [PDF 44KB]
Reasons to access PUMS data for small or unique population groups and housing characteristics.

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