Statistics, Demographics, and Consumerism

In this Section:

Chapter 22: Statistical Abstract of the United States

One of, if not the best single publication from our government."
Economic Developer/Chamber of Commerce

"Single most valuable reference tool"
Librarian

If that hasn't whetted your appetite, you probably lack that proverbial thirst for knowledge. The Statistical Abstract of the United States, published since 1878, is the standard summary of statistics on the social, political, and economic organization of the United States. It is designed to serve as a convenient volume for statistical publications and sources. The latter function is supported by the introductory text to each section, the source note appearing below each table, and Appendix I, which comprises the "Guide to Sources of Statistics," the "Guide to State Statistical Abstracts," and the "Guide to Foreign Statistical Abstracts." This volume includes a selection of data from many statistical publications, both government and private.

Chapter 23: American Demographics

This is a great little monthly magazine (about 60 pages) that integrates the science of demographics with consumerism. It is colorful, interesting, reader-friendly, informative, very well formatted, and with pertinent messages about society and business. It has the cover story, feature articles, regular departments (e.g., "Demographic Forecasts," "Index of Well-Being," "New Frontiers," etc.), plus "Business Reports." An example of a features article (usually six or seven pages) is "The Frontiers of Psychographics," by Rebecca Piirto Heath ("In an effort to understand consumers, marketers are fueling a resurgence of qualitative research and retooling it for the 21st century").
The advertising in American Demographics is particularly useful because it represents the services of many research/analysis and database providers, such as:

Chapter 24: Census Catalog and Guide

The Census Catalog and Guide: 1996, the 50th edition of the publication, is both a comprehensive catalog and a substantial guide to the programs and services of the Census Bureau. As a catalog, it describes or lists the products (such as reports and machine-readable files) issued from mid-1993 through 1995. Those issued since 1995 appear in the Monthly Product Annoucement (see Recommended Supplement"). Readers interested in Census Bureau products issued from 1988 through 1993 should refer to Census Catalog and Guide: 1994, which provides a generally complete record of those years. The Census Catalog and Guide: 1996 also includes a number of features, such as a chart on product series in the "Product Overview" chapter and an extensive "Sources of Assistance" appendix. Chapter introductions provide key information about the censuses, surveys, and other programs that are the sources of data products described in the chapters. Most products are organized by subject into such chapters as agriculture, business, and foreign trade; but a special section combines references for the 1990 Census of Population and Housing, which is particularly useful for marketing research.

Chapter 25: Consumer Reports

Reports is published by Consumers Union, an independent, nonprofit testing and information organization serving only consumers. It is a comprehensive source for unbiased advice about products and services, personal finance, health and nutrition, and other consumer concerns. Since 1936, its mission has been to test products, inform the public, and protect consumers. Income is derived solely from the sale of Consumer Reports and other services and from nonrestrictive, noncommercial contributions, grants, and fees.

     

CALVIN AND HOBBES  1998 Watterson Dist. by UNIVERSAL PRESS SYNDICATE. Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved.