U.S. Department of Commerce
U.S. Census Bureau
B. COLLECTION OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS
1. Universe and Respondent Selection
The universe for the CPS is 116 million households. From this universe, we select a sample of approximately 72,000 households each month. Of these, approximately 59,000 households will be eligible for interview.
2. Procedures for Collecting Information
Attachment A gives an overview of the CPS sample design and weighting methodology. The CPS produces demographic data, labor force data, and data from various periodic supplemental inquiries. We designed the CPS sample to produce estimates of employment and unemployment characteristics with sufficient reliability to meet the BLS' requirements for monthly data and estimates of month-to-month, quarter-to-quarter, and year-to-year changes. The coefficient of variation on estimates of unemployment is 1.9 percent monthly at the national level. It is 8.0 percent annually at the state level. This degree of accuracy is sufficient to meet the needs mandated.
One of the primary goals for the CPS is to provide estimates of month-to-month change in the employment and unemployment statistics. The current rotation pattern for the CPS (4-8-4) was chosen because it provides such estimates reliably with a much smaller sample size than an annual rotation would.
3. Methods to Maximize Response
Response rates and data accuracy for the CPS are maintained at high levels through computer edits, interviewer instruction and training, and close monitoring of these data. (Refer to paragraph 5 of Attachment A for a discussion of the CPS nonresponse.)
Testing of Procedures
As described in paragraph 6 of Attachment A, the CPS has completed an
extensive program testing the survey’s methods, procedures, and content.
5. Contacts Statistical Aspects and Data Collection
The following individuals may be contacted on the statistical data collection and analysis operations:
Statistical Analysis Operations
Patrick E. Flanagan
Demographic Statistical Methods Division
Census Bureau
(301) 763-4290
Statistical Collection Operations
Kathleen P. Creighton
Demographic Surveys Division
Census Bureau
(301) 763-3814
Attachments
A - Overview of the CPS Sample Design and Methodology
B - CPS Demographic Items
C - CPS Supplements for 2008 and 2009
D-1 - CPS-263(MIS-1), CPS-263(SP)(MIS-1), New Household Advance Letters
D-2 - CPS-264(MIS-5), CPS-264(SP)(MIS-5), Returning Household Advance Letters
D-3 - CPS-266 Thank You Cards
E-1 - BC-1433, BC-1433(SP), CPS-692 CPS Fact Sheets
E-2 - BC-1428, BC-1428(SP) Confidentiality Brochures
F - Summary of Changes and Additions to the CPS Demographic Items
| File Type | application/msword |
| Author | DSD |
| Last Modified By | smith056 |
| File Modified | 2008-04-21 |
| File Created | 2008-02-06 |