Supporting Statement B (1220-0102)

SUPPORTING STATEMENT

B. COLLECTION OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS

1. Universe and Respondent Burden

The August 2007 supplement will be conducted in conjunction with the CPS, for which the universe is 111 million households. From this universe, the Census Bureau selects a sample of approximately 72,000 households each month, of which approximately 60,000 households are eligible for interviews. The Census Bureau actually interviews about 55,000 households each month. The items in the supplement are asked, as appropriate, of members of the households.

2. Procedures for Collecting Information

This is a supplemental survey associated with the August 2007 CPS. The statistical properties of these supplemental items will fall within those associated with the CPS itself (Attachment G).

3. Methods to Maximize Response

Response rates and data accuracy for the CPS are maintained at high levels through internal consistency edits in the computerized instrument, interviewer instructions, training, and close monitoring of these data.

4. Testing of Procedures

New items proposed for the 2007 supplement are currently undergoing cognitive testing and expert reviews. The testing will include both self and proxy respondents.

A focus group with state employment service specialists was held prior to conducting the 2001 supplement to help design the new questions concerning use of specific VETS-sponsored services and programs. Attachment H discusses the reliability of the estimates produced from the August 2005 Veterans Supplement.

During the August 2001 interview, behavior coding was conducted to identify any problems in the questionnaire. And, following administration of the August 2001 supplement, focus groups were held with CPS interviewers in both the Tucson and Hagerstown Census call centers. Minor modifications were made to the supplement to incorporate findings from these efforts.

5. Contact Persons

The following individuals may be consulted concerning the statistical data collection and analysis operation:

Statistical Design:

Carol Gunlicks

Demographic Statistical Methods Division

Bureau of the Census

(301) 763-4241

Statistical Analysis:

Diane Herz

Office of Employment and Unemployment Statistics

Bureau of Labor Statistics

(202) 691-6383

Data Collection/Survey Design:

Kathleen Creighton

Demographic Surveys Division

Bureau of the Census

(301) 763-3814