ASA Connect

Three ASA sections (Computing, Government, and Graphics) are proud to sponsor the Data Challenge 2017 to take place at the JSM 2017 meetings. The contest is open to anyone who is interested in participating, including college students and professionals from the private or public sector. This contest challenges participants to analyze a government dataset using statistical and visualization tools and methods.

There will be two award categories – Professional (one level) and Student (three levels). We are still working on the exact award amounts. The following indicates the minimum awards. One award in the amount of $500 will be given for the winning entry in the Professional category. The three awards in the Student category will be $500 for first place, $300 for second place, and $200 for third place.

Contestants will present their results in a speed poster session at the JSM and must submit their abstracts to the JSM online system in the usual manner. Presenters are responsible for their own JSM registration and travel costs, and any other costs associated with JSM attendance. Group submissions are acceptable. To enter, contestants must do the following by February 1, 2017.

• Submit abstract for Speed Poster session to the JSM 2017 website (http://ww2.amstat.org/meetings/jsm/2017/index.cfm). Specify the Government Statistics Section (GSS) as the main sponsor. Abstract submission started December 1, 2016.
• Forward the JSM abstract to Wendy Martinez (martinez.wendy@bls.gov).

The dataset 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 here: http://www.bls.gov/cex/pumd.htm. Contestants must use some portion of the CE data and can also combine other data sources in the analysis. 

Standard tables, showing expenditures and related information for various demographic groups, are available here:  http://www.bls.gov/cex/tables.htm. An experimental table showing extremely detailed average annual expenditures and other information for all consumer units (similar to a household or family) in the U.S. is available here:  http://www.bls.gov/cex/2014/research/allcuprepub.pdf . For more information, see the CE homepage (http://www.bls.gov/cex/). 

Examples of research using the CE data are also available. 

• Monthly Labor Review articles: http://www.bls.gov/cex/csxart.htm
• "Beyond the Numbers" series:  http://www.bls.gov/cex/csxwebarticles.htm 
• "Spotlight on Statistics" and other series:  http://www.bls.gov/cex/csxspotlight.htm; http://www.bls.gov/cex/csxissus.htm.