National Survey of Black Americans facts for kids

The National Survey of Black Americans (NSBA) was a very important study. It was the first time a large group of Black adults across the United States were asked about their lives and experiences.

This survey was created by a research group at the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research. It received money from the National Institute of Mental Health in 1977 to get started.

What Was the National Survey of Black Americans?

The NSBA was a special kind of survey. It was designed to understand the lives and thoughts of Black adults in the U.S. Researchers wanted to learn about their experiences and how they dealt with different situations.

How the Survey Was Done

The survey took place between 1979 and 1980. During this time, 2,107 Black American adults were interviewed. These people were all 18 years old or older. They shared information about their lives.

The Follow-Up Study

The people who were first interviewed for the NSBA were contacted again later. This happened three more times. They were interviewed eight, nine, and twelve years after the first time.

When you combine the original interviews with these follow-up interviews, it forms a bigger study. This bigger study is called the National Panel Survey of Black Americans (NPSBA). A "panel survey" means the same people are studied over a long period.

Why Was This Survey Important?

The National Survey of Black Americans has been very helpful. Even many years later, it is still used by people who make important decisions for the country. It is also used by sociologists, who are scientists who study society.

The NSBA was the first study to collect national information. It showed how Black Americans understood and reacted to feelings of stress or worry. This information helped researchers and policymakers learn more about mental health in the Black community.

The NSBA also led to other important studies. One of these was the National Survey of American Life. This survey also received support from the National Institutes of Mental Health.