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2011 United Kingdom census Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The United Kingdom Census: History and Practice

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The United Kingdom Census: History and Practice Study Guide

Historical Context of UK Censuses

John Rickman was the first person to conduct a census of Great Britain's population, starting in 1801.

Answer: True

Explanation: John Rickman, as Registrar General, was indeed the first to conduct censuses of Great Britain's population, commencing with the census of 1801.

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The population of England and Wales decreased significantly between 1801 and 1831 according to census data.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to this statement, the population of England and Wales experienced substantial growth, more than tripling, between 1801 and 1831.

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The 1951 census holds historical significance partly because the 1931 census records were lost in a fire.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 1951 census is considered significant partly due to the loss of 1931 census records in a fire, making the 1951 data crucial for understanding demographic changes over a longer period.

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The United Nations recommends that national censuses be conducted more frequently than once every ten years.

Answer: False

Explanation: The United Nations recommends that national censuses be conducted at least once every ten years, not more frequently.

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Who conducted the first census of Great Britain's population between 1801 and 1831?

Answer: John Rickman

Explanation: John Rickman, as Registrar General, was the individual responsible for conducting the first censuses of Great Britain's population from 1801 onwards.

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How much did the population of England and Wales grow between 1801 and 1831, according to census data?

Answer: It more than tripled.

Explanation: During the period from 1801 to 1831, the population of England and Wales experienced significant growth, more than tripling its size.

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What factor contributed to the significance of the 1951 census?

Answer: It captured demographic changes over a period including World War II and included data lost from the 1931 census.

Explanation: The 1951 census was significant as it documented demographic shifts during a period encompassing World War II and also incorporated data that had been lost from the 1931 census due to a fire.

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According to the United Nations, what is the recommended minimum frequency for conducting national censuses?

Answer: At least once every ten years

Explanation: The United Nations recommends that national censuses be conducted at a minimum frequency of once every ten years.

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The 2011 Census: Administration and Methodology

The 2011 UK census was conducted solely using paper-based questionnaires.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect, as the 2011 census introduced the significant option for households to complete their questionnaires online, in addition to the traditional paper-based method.

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The Office for National Statistics (ONS) was responsible for the 2011 census in all constituent countries of the United Kingdom.

Answer: False

Explanation: The responsibility for conducting the 2011 census was distributed: the Office for National Statistics (ONS) managed England and Wales, the General Register Office for Scotland (GROS) oversaw Scotland, and the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) was responsible for Northern Ireland.

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The 2011 census results were released on the same date across all parts of the United Kingdom.

Answer: False

Explanation: Census results were not released simultaneously across all UK constituent countries. Initial results for England and Wales, and Northern Ireland, were published in July 2012, while UK-wide results and Scotland's initial results appeared in December 2012.

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The Office for National Statistics (ONS) was created in 1996 by merging the Central Statistical Office and the Office of Population, Censuses and Surveys.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Office for National Statistics (ONS) was indeed established in 1996 through the amalgamation of the Central Statistical Office (CSO) and the Office of Population, Censuses and Surveys (OPCS).

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The 2011 census for England and Wales included information from roughly 25 million households.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 2011 census for England and Wales did indeed collect information from approximately 25 million households.

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The national address register for the 2011 census was compiled solely by the Ordnance Survey.

Answer: False

Explanation: The national address register was compiled by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) with collaborative input from local authorities, Royal Mail, and the Ordnance Survey, not solely by Ordnance Survey.

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The 2011 census for Northern Ireland asked a total of 59 questions.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 2011 census for Northern Ireland included a total of 59 questions, comprising 14 questions about the household and its accommodation, and 45 questions for each individual member of the household.

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The primary purpose of the 2011 census was to count the number of citizens eligible to vote.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary purpose of the 2011 census extended beyond voter eligibility; it was designed to gather comprehensive population data for community needs assessment, government planning, and resource allocation across various sectors.

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The ONS acts as the executive office for which body responsible for UK statistics?

Answer: The UK Statistics Authority

Explanation: The Office for National Statistics (ONS) functions as the executive office for the UK Statistics Authority, the independent body overseeing national statistics.

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What was the primary purpose of the 2011 United Kingdom census?

Answer: To gather population information for community needs assessment and government planning.

Explanation: The primary purpose of the 2011 census was to collect comprehensive population data essential for assessing community needs and informing government planning and resource allocation.

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On what date was the 2011 census conducted across the United Kingdom?

Answer: March 27, 2011

Explanation: The 2011 census was conducted on March 27, 2011, across all constituent countries of the United Kingdom.

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Which of the following was a significant technological advancement introduced in the 2011 UK census?

Answer: The ability for households to complete the census online.

Explanation: A significant technological advancement was the introduction of the option for households to complete the census questionnaire online via the Internet.

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Who was responsible for conducting the 2011 census in Scotland?

Answer: The General Register Office for Scotland (GROS)

Explanation: The General Register Office for Scotland (GROS) was the body responsible for conducting the 2011 census within Scotland.

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The Office for National Statistics (ONS) was formed by merging which entities?

Answer: The Central Statistical Office, OPCS, and the Department of Employment's statistics division.

Explanation: The Office for National Statistics (ONS) was established through the merger of the Central Statistical Office (CSO), the Office of Population, Censuses and Surveys (OPCS), and the statistics division of the Department of Employment.

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Approximately how many households were included in the 2011 census for England and Wales?

Answer: 25 million

Explanation: The 2011 census for England and Wales collected information from approximately 25 million households.

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Which entities assisted the ONS in compiling the national address register for the 2011 census?

Answer: Local authorities, Royal Mail, and Ordnance Survey

Explanation: The ONS received assistance from local authorities, Royal Mail, and the Ordnance Survey in the compilation of the national address register for the 2011 census.

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Content and Questions of the 2011 Census

Individuals in 2011 were legally obligated to complete the census questionnaire if they had resided in the UK for at least one month.

Answer: False

Explanation: Under the Census Act 1920, the legal obligation to complete the census applied to individuals who had lived in or intended to live in the country for three months or more, not just one month.

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Failing to complete the 2011 census questionnaire could result in a fine of up to £1,000.

Answer: True

Explanation: Indeed, failure to complete the 2011 census questionnaire or providing false information could lead to a penalty of up to £1,000.

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The 2011 census questionnaire included a question about residents' access to a bath or shower.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2011 census questionnaire omitted the question regarding residents' access to a bath or shower, which had been included in the 2001 census.

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New tick-box options for English, Northern Irish, Scottish, and Welsh national identities were added to the 2011 census questionnaire.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 2011 census questionnaire incorporated new tick-box options for English, Northern Irish, Scottish, and Welsh national identities, addressing previous criticisms.

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The ethnicity section in the 2011 census merged the 'Asian British' category into the 'Chinese' category.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2011 census ethnicity section saw changes, including the addition of 'Gypsy or Irish Traveller' and 'Arab' categories. Crucially, the 'Chinese' category was not merged into 'Asian British'; rather, the 'Asian British' category was expanded to include South Asian groups, and 'Chinese' remained a distinct option.

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The 2011 census count included only individuals registered as usual residents.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2011 census count encompassed not only usual residents but also any visitors present in the UK on the designated census night, March 27, 2011, ensuring a comprehensive population snapshot.

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The Conservative Party criticized the 2011 census question about household bedrooms and overnight guests, calling it 'bedroom snooping'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Conservative Party indeed criticized a specific question in the 2011 census concerning household bedrooms and details of overnight guests, labeling it 'bedroom snooping' due to its perceived intrusiveness.

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The 2011 Scotland census was the first to include a question about the ability to understand the Scots language.

Answer: True

Explanation: Indeed, the 2011 census in Scotland marked the first instance of including a question assessing respondents' ability to understand the Scots language, alongside questions pertaining to Scottish Gaelic and English.

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Cornwall Council advised residents to write 'Cornish' in the ethnicity section of the 2011 census form to record their identity.

Answer: True

Explanation: Cornwall Council did advise residents to record their 'Cornish' identity by writing it in relevant sections, such as ethnicity and national identity, as a dedicated tick-box was not available.

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The 2011 census questionnaire asked immigrants about their date of arrival in the UK.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 2011 census questionnaire included questions for immigrants regarding their date of arrival in the UK and their intended duration of stay, enhancing the data available on migration.

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The 2011 census questionnaire included tick boxes for respondents to indicate their same-sex civil partnership status.

Answer: True

Explanation: Reflecting legislative changes, the 2011 census questionnaire incorporated tick boxes allowing respondents to indicate their same-sex civil partnership status.

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The 2011 census questionnaire did not ask about the number of bedrooms in a household.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to the statement, the 2011 census questionnaire did include a question pertaining to the number of bedrooms in a household, alongside queries about overnight guests.

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The 2011 census questionnaire contained how many questions for each individual member of a household in Northern Ireland?

Answer: 45

Explanation: For each individual member of a household in Northern Ireland, the 2011 census questionnaire contained 45 distinct questions, in addition to 14 household-level questions.

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What was the legal requirement for participating in the 2011 census, according to the Census Act 1920?

Answer: To have lived in or intended to live in the country for three months or more.

Explanation: The Census Act 1920 stipulated that individuals were legally required to participate if they had lived in or intended to reside in the country for a minimum of three months.

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What was the maximum fine for failing to complete or submitting false information on the 2011 census questionnaire?

Answer: £1,000

Explanation: Failure to complete or submitting inaccurate information on the 2011 census questionnaire could incur a maximum fine of £1,000.

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What change was made to the ethnicity section in the 2011 census questionnaire?

Answer: A 'Gypsy or Irish Traveller' tick-box was added under the 'White' heading.

Explanation: A significant change in the 2011 census ethnicity section was the inclusion of a 'Gypsy or Irish Traveller' tick-box under the 'White' category, alongside an 'Arab' tick-box under 'Other ethnic group'.

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Besides usual residents, who else was counted in the 2011 census?

Answer: Visitors staying in the UK on the night of March 27, 2011.

Explanation: In addition to usual residents, the 2011 census also accounted for visitors present within the UK on the designated census night, March 27, 2011.

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What was the criticism leveled against the 2011 census question about household bedrooms and overnight guests?

Answer: It was considered intrusive and labeled 'bedroom snooping'.

Explanation: The criticism leveled against the 2011 census question concerning household bedrooms and overnight guests was that it was considered intrusive and was consequently labeled 'bedroom snooping'.

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What new language-related question was included in the 2011 census for Scotland?

Answer: Ability to understand Scots, Gaelic, and English.

Explanation: The 2011 census in Scotland introduced a new language-related question assessing the ability to understand Scots, in addition to existing questions concerning Scottish Gaelic and English.

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How did the 2011 census address the national identity of people from Cornwall?

Answer: By writing it in relevant sections like ethnicity and national identity.

Explanation: As there was no dedicated tick-box for 'Cornish' national identity, residents were advised by Cornwall Council and the census authorities to write 'Cornish' in relevant sections such as ethnicity and national identity to accurately record their affiliation.

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Controversies and Public Concerns Regarding the 2011 Census

Lockheed Martin UK was awarded a contract worth £150 million for census services in Scotland.

Answer: False

Explanation: Lockheed Martin UK's £150 million contract was for census services in England and Wales, not Scotland.

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Concerns about Lockheed Martin's involvement in the census were primarily related to the company's data processing speed.

Answer: False

Explanation: Concerns regarding Lockheed Martin's involvement were primarily focused on potential data security issues related to the US PATRIOT Act and the company's broader activities, not its data processing speed.

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The ONS assured that Lockheed Martin employees would have direct access to personal census data during the processing phase.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Office for National Statistics assured that Lockheed Martin UK personnel would not have direct access to personal census data; their role was limited to system development.

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The Stop the War Coalition advocated for participation in the 2011 census, despite concerns about Lockheed Martin.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Stop the War Coalition, along with other groups, called for a boycott of the 2011 census due to concerns about Lockheed Martin's involvement.

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The British Humanist Association (BHA) supported the original wording of the religion question in the 2011 census.

Answer: False

Explanation: The British Humanist Association did not support the original wording of the religion question; they advocated for its rephrasing to first ascertain if a respondent had a religion before asking for specifics, citing concerns about its leading nature and placement.

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CACI, a company involved in the 2011 Scotland census, had no prior controversial associations mentioned in the source.

Answer: False

Explanation: CACI, contracted for census information gathering in Scotland, did have prior controversial associations mentioned in the source, notably its involvement in providing interrogators at Abu Ghraib prison.

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The ONS assured that Lockheed Martin UK would handle all personal data securely within the UK.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Office for National Statistics assured that Lockheed Martin UK, while involved in system development, would not have access to personal census data, and that all data processing would remain within the UK and be handled by entities not owned by American companies.

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The British Humanist Association (BHA) ran advertisements encouraging respondents to select the 'no religion' option on the 2011 census questionnaire.

Answer: True

Explanation: The British Humanist Association actively promoted the use of the 'no religion' option through public advertisements during the 2011 census period.

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Lockheed Martin UK was awarded a contract valued at £150 million for which census-related services?

Answer: Printing, data capture, and processing for England and Wales.

Explanation: Lockheed Martin UK received a £150 million contract for services including the printing, data capture, and processing of census questionnaires for England and Wales.

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What was a primary concern regarding Lockheed Martin UK's contract for the 2011 census?

Answer: Potential data sharing with US authorities due to the US PATRIOT Act.

Explanation: A primary concern surrounding Lockheed Martin UK's contract was the potential for sensitive census data to be accessed by US authorities under the US PATRIOT Act, alongside broader objections related to the company's involvement in surveillance and defense.

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How did the ONS respond to concerns about Lockheed Martin UK accessing personal census data?

Answer: They stated the company would have no access to personal information.

Explanation: The Office for National Statistics responded by assuring that Lockheed Martin UK personnel would not have direct access to personal census data; their role was limited to system development.

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Which groups called for a boycott of the 2011 census due to concerns about Lockheed Martin?

Answer: The Stop the War Coalition and Ekklesia.

Explanation: The Stop the War Coalition and the Christian think tank Ekklesia were prominent groups that advocated for a boycott of the 2011 census, citing concerns related to Lockheed Martin's involvement.

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What suggestion did the British Humanist Association (BHA) make regarding the 2011 census religion question?

Answer: Rephrase it to first ask 'Do you have a religion?'.

Explanation: The British Humanist Association suggested rephrasing the religion question to first ascertain if a respondent had a religion, followed by a query about the specific religion, arguing the original wording was leading.

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Which company was contracted for census information gathering in Scotland, and what controversy was associated with it?

Answer: CACI; association with providing interrogators at Abu Ghraib.

Explanation: CACI, a company contracted for census information gathering in Scotland, was associated with controversy due to its prior role in providing interrogators at Abu Ghraib prison.

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Costs, Funding, and Future of UK Censuses

The total estimated cost for the 2011 census project lifecycle in England and Wales was £482 million.

Answer: True

Explanation: The total estimated expenditure for the 2011 census project lifecycle in England and Wales amounted to £482 million.

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The cost of the 2011 census in England and Wales was less than the cost of the 2001 census.

Answer: False

Explanation: The cost of the 2011 census in England and Wales, approximately £482 million, represented more than double the expenditure of £210 million for the 2001 census.

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The 'Beyond 2011' project recommended discontinuing the decennial census altogether.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Beyond 2011' project did not recommend discontinuing the decennial census; instead, it advised proceeding with a 2021 census while enhancing the use of alternative data sources.

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UK per capita census costs in 2011 were higher than in many other European countries.

Answer: False

Explanation: The per capita cost of the 2011 UK census was notably lower than that of many other European countries undertaking similar national censuses, a point emphasized when justifying its value.

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The 2011 census in Northern Ireland cost approximately £21.8 million over its project lifecycle.

Answer: True

Explanation: The estimated cost for the 2011 census in Northern Ireland, spanning a six-year period from 2008 to 2014, was approximately £21.8 million.

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The 'Beyond 2011' project concluded that traditional decennial censuses were no longer necessary.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Beyond 2011' project did not conclude that traditional decennial censuses were obsolete; rather, it recommended proceeding with a 2021 census while advocating for enhanced utilization of alternative demographic data sources.

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What major concern did UK political parties express prior to the 2011 census?

Answer: The increasing costs and questioned value for money.

Explanation: Major UK political parties voiced significant concerns regarding the escalating costs of the census and questioned its overall value for money.

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What was the total estimated cost for the 2011 census project lifecycle in England and Wales?

Answer: £482 million

Explanation: The total estimated expenditure for the 2011 census project lifecycle in England and Wales amounted to £482 million.

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How did the cost of the 2011 census in England and Wales compare to the 2001 census?

Answer: It was more than double the cost of the 2001 census.

Explanation: The cost of the 2011 census in England and Wales, approximately £482 million, represented more than double the expenditure of £210 million for the 2001 census.

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What initiative was launched to explore alternatives to the traditional decennial census due to cost concerns?

Answer: 'Beyond 2011'

Explanation: The 'Beyond 2011' initiative was launched to investigate alternative methodologies for population measurement, prompted by concerns regarding the costs associated with traditional decennial censuses.

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What was the main recommendation of the 'Beyond 2011' project concerning future population statistics?

Answer: To conduct a 2021 census and improve use of alternative data sources.

Explanation: The primary recommendation of the 'Beyond 2011' project was to conduct a UK-wide census in 2021, coupled with an emphasis on enhancing the utilization of alternative demographic data sources.

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What was the estimated cost of the 2011 census in Northern Ireland over its six-year period?

Answer: £21.8 million

Explanation: The estimated cost for the 2011 census in Northern Ireland, spanning a six-year period from 2008 to 2014, was approximately £21.8 million.

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Data Dissemination and Access for UK Censuses

Personal information collected in census questionnaires is made publicly available after 50 years.

Answer: False

Explanation: Personal census information is kept confidential for 100 years before being released to the public, ensuring long-term privacy.

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The UK Statistics Authority is responsible for coordinating the release of census data across the UK.

Answer: True

Explanation: The United Kingdom Statistics Authority holds the responsibility for coordinating the release of census data across the UK's constituent countries, typically publishing these through the ONS.

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Nomis was used for releasing the primary, overall population counts from the 2011 census.

Answer: False

Explanation: Nomis served as a platform for releasing detailed census results and enabling users to construct bespoke datasets, specifically for supplementary releases of local characteristics tables, rather than the primary population counts.

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The 2011 census data was made available in Comma-separated values (CSV) format for bulk downloads.

Answer: True

Explanation: Bulk data from the 2011 census was made accessible for download in the Comma-separated values (CSV) file format.

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'Origin-destination data' releases from the 2011 census focused on household income.

Answer: False

Explanation: 'Origin-destination data' releases from the 2011 census provided insights into population mobility, specifically detailing migration patterns and commuting habits, rather than household income.

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'Small population datasets' contained detailed statistics for specific ethnic groups or populations based on their country of birth.

Answer: True

Explanation: Indeed, 'Small population datasets' provided granular statistics concerning specific ethnic groups or populations defined by their country of birth, further detailed by sex and age.

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When were the initial UK-wide results of the 2011 census published?

Answer: December 17, 2012

Explanation: The initial UK-wide results of the 2011 census were published on December 17, 2012.

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For how many years are census questionnaires kept confidential before public release?

Answer: 100 years

Explanation: Census questionnaires containing personal information are maintained in confidentiality for a period of 100 years before they become publicly accessible.

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What is Nomis primarily used for in relation to census data?

Answer: Providing detailed results and allowing users to assemble bespoke datasets.

Explanation: Nomis primarily serves as a repository for detailed census results, enabling users to construct customized datasets, particularly for supplementary releases such as local characteristics tables.

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In what file format was bulk data from the 2011 census made available for download?

Answer: Comma-separated values (CSV)

Explanation: Bulk data from the 2011 census was made accessible for download in the Comma-separated values (CSV) file format.

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What did the 'Origin-destination data' releases from the 2011 census provide insights into?

Answer: Commuting habits and migration patterns.

Explanation: The 'Origin-destination data' releases from the 2011 census offered insights into population mobility, specifically detailing migration patterns and commuting habits.

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