SUPPORTING STATEMENT
U.S. Department of Commerce
U.S. Census Bureau
Current Population Survey – School Enrollment Questions
OMB Control Number 0607 - 0049
B. COLLECTION OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS
1. Universe and Respondent Selection
The universe for CPS is 114 million households. From this universe, we select a sample of approximately 72,000 households each month, of which approximately
59,000 households are eligible for interview. We actually interview about 55,000 households each month.
We ask the school enrollment questions, as appropriate, for members of these households. Using previous months collection numbers and results from the October 2011 School Enrollment supplement, we are able to estimate approximately 53,000 more people will need to be asked the main question and approximately 3,000 more will need to answer the two follow up questions. The current response rate for Basic CPS is approximately 91 percent. We feel the change in universe to these questions will not impact the response rate.
2. Procedures for Collecting Information
Attachment B 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
We maintain response rates and data accuracy for the CPS at high levels through interviewer instruction and training and close monitoring of data output. (Refer to
Item 5 of Attachment B for a discussion of the CPS nonresponse.)
A full allocation for item nonresponse is done for the school enrollment questions for eligible people. (Item nonresponse is not expected to exceed five percent.)
4. Testing of Procedures
As described in paragraph 6 of Attachment B, the CPS has completed an extensive program testing the survey’s methods, procedures, and content.
5. Contacts for Statistical Aspects and Data Collection
The following individuals may be contacted on the statistical data collection and analysis operations:
Statistical Design: Data Collection/Survey Design:
Yeng Cheng Lisa A. Clement
Demographic Statistical Methods Division Demographic Surveys Division
U.S. Census Bureau U.S. Census Bureau
(301) 763- 3287 (301) 763-3806
Attachments
A. School Enrollment Questions
B. Overview of the CPS Sample Design and Methodology
C. Confidentiality Brochure
D-1. CPS Advance Letter (CPS-263)
D-2. CPS Advance Letter (CPS-264)
E. CPS Demographic Items
| File Type | application/msword |
| Author | woods009 |
| Last Modified By | back0002 |
| File Modified | 2012-11-15 |
| File Created | 2012-07-23 |