Participants Will Analyze a Government Data Set Using Statistical and Visualization Tools and Methods

The ASA Statistical Computing, Government Statistics, and Statistical Graphics sections will sponsor Data Challenge 2017 at JSM in Baltimore, Maryland. The contest is open to anyone interested in participating, including college students and professionals from the private or public sector.

This contest challenges participants to analyze a government data set using statistical and visualization tools and methods. There will be two award categories: Professional (one level) and Student (three levels).

Contestants will present their results in a speed poster session at JSM, so they must submit their abstracts to the JSM online system in the usual manner. Presenters are responsible for their own JSM registration and travel costs, as well as any other costs associated with JSM attendance. Group submissions are acceptable.

To enter, contestants must do the following by February 1:

• Submit an abstract for a JSM 2017 speed poster session and specify the Government Statistics Section (GSS) as the main sponsor
• Forward the JSM abstract to Wendy Martinez

The data set for the GSS Data Challenge 2017 will be the Consumer Expenditure Survey (CE). Public use data files and documentation (file structure, data dictionary, sample code, etc.), are available on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website. Contestants must use some portion of the CE data, but may combine other data sources in the analysis.

Additionally, standard tables showing expenditures and related information for various demographic groups and an experimental table showing detailed average annual expenditures and other information for all consumer units (similar to a household or family) in the United States are available.

The following examples of research using the CE data are also available:

• Monthly Labor Review articles
• “Beyond the Numbers” series
• “Spotlight on Statistics” and other series

Contact Wendy Martinez with questions.