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The Current Population Survey (CPS) is conducted on a quarterly basis to assess long-term employment trends.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Current Population Survey (CPS) is conducted monthly, not quarterly, to provide timely estimates of the nation's labor market conditions, including employment and unemployment.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is directly responsible for the monthly administration and data collection of the Current Population Survey.
Answer: False
Explanation: While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) commissions the Current Population Survey (CPS) and analyzes its data, the actual administration and data collection are performed by the United States Census Bureau.
The logo displayed in the CPS infobox belongs to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Answer: False
Explanation: The logo typically shown in the CPS infobox represents the United States Census Bureau, the agency responsible for conducting the survey.
The headquarters of the agency conducting the CPS is located in Suitland, Maryland.
Answer: True
Explanation: The primary headquarters for the United States Census Bureau, the agency that conducts the Current Population Survey (CPS), is situated in Suitland, Maryland.
The CPS primarily serves to collect demographic data, with employment information being a secondary function.
Answer: False
Explanation: The primary function of the CPS is to gather data on employment and unemployment. While it does collect demographic information, this serves to contextualize the labor market data, making employment information its principal objective.
The 'civilian noninstitutional population' includes individuals serving in the military.
Answer: False
Explanation: The term 'civilian noninstitutional population' explicitly excludes individuals serving in the military, as well as those residing in institutions such as prisons or nursing homes.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) analyzes CPS data to produce employment reports.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is responsible for analyzing the data collected by the Census Bureau through the CPS and subsequently producing key employment and unemployment reports.
What is the primary purpose of the Current Population Survey (CPS)?
Answer: To collect monthly data on employment and unemployment in the U.S.
Explanation: The principal objective of the Current Population Survey (CPS) is to gather comprehensive monthly data concerning employment and unemployment within the United States, thereby informing national labor market estimates.
Which two government agencies are primarily involved with the Current Population Survey?
Answer: United States Census Bureau and Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Explanation: The Current Population Survey (CPS) involves a critical partnership between the United States Census Bureau, which conducts the survey, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which commissions it and analyzes the data.
Which agency's logo is displayed in the CPS infobox, signifying its role in conducting the survey?
Answer: United States Census Bureau
Explanation: The logo typically featured in the CPS infobox belongs to the United States Census Bureau, underscoring its role as the agency responsible for administering the survey.
What does the term 'civilian noninstitutional population' exclude?
Answer: Both B and C
Explanation: The 'civilian noninstitutional population' specifically excludes individuals serving in the military and those residing in institutional settings, such as correctional facilities or long-term care homes.
What is the role of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) concerning the CPS?
Answer: Analyzes the collected data and produces employment reports.
Explanation: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) commissions the Current Population Survey (CPS) and is responsible for the subsequent analysis of the collected data, leading to the publication of significant employment and unemployment reports.
Each month, the CPS surveys approximately 100,000 households to gather employment data.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Current Population Survey (CPS) surveys approximately 60,000 eligible households each month, not 100,000.
The CPS uses a simple random sampling method to select households across the country.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Current Population Survey (CPS) employs a multistage stratified statistical sampling methodology, rather than simple random sampling, to select households.
Households surveyed by the CPS participate indefinitely until they are no longer eligible.
Answer: False
Explanation: Households participate in the CPS for a fixed rotation pattern: they are interviewed for four consecutive months, then have an eight-month break, followed by another four months of interviews.
The sample design for the CPS is typically updated annually to reflect demographic changes.
Answer: False
Explanation: The sample design for the Current Population Survey (CPS) is generally redesigned once every decade, typically following the decennial census, not annually.
The CPS asks respondents about their employment status during the week containing the 15th of the month.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Current Population Survey (CPS) determines employment status based on the calendar week that includes the 12th day of the month, not the 15th.
Approximately how many households are eligible for the CPS survey each month?
Answer: 60,000
Explanation: Each month, the Current Population Survey (CPS) makes approximately 60,000 households eligible for participation in the survey.
The CPS employs a sampling methodology that is best described as:
Answer: Multistage stratified statistical sampling
Explanation: The Current Population Survey (CPS) utilizes a sophisticated multistage stratified statistical sampling design to ensure representative coverage across the nation.
What is the rotation pattern for households participating in the CPS?
Answer: Interviewed for 4 months, off for 8 months, then interviewed for 4 months.
Explanation: Households are part of the CPS sample for a total of eight months, structured as four consecutive months of interviews, followed by an eight-month interval, and then another four months of interviews.
How often is the CPS sample design typically redesigned?
Answer: Once every decade
Explanation: The sample design for the Current Population Survey (CPS) undergoes a major redesign approximately once every decade, aligning with the decennial census.
The CPS asks respondents about their employment status during which specific time period each month?
Answer: The calendar week including the 12th day of the month
Explanation: Respondents are queried about their employment status concerning the calendar week that contains the 12th day of each month.
The CPS classifies individuals aged 15 and older based on their employment status, but only reports data for those 18 and over.
Answer: False
Explanation: The CPS assesses employment status for individuals aged 15 and older, and subsequently classifies individuals aged 16 and over as employed, unemployed, or not in the labor force.
To be classified as employed in the CPS, an individual must have worked at least 15 hours without pay in a family business during the reference week.
Answer: True
Explanation: Working without pay for at least 15 hours in a family business or farm during the reference week is one of the criteria for being classified as employed in the CPS.
Individuals on vacation are never classified as employed in the CPS.
Answer: False
Explanation: Individuals who are temporarily absent from their jobs due to reasons such as vacation, illness, or labor disputes are classified as employed in the CPS, provided they intend to return to their jobs.
A person is classified as unemployed in the CPS only if they have not worked for pay in the last month.
Answer: False
Explanation: To be classified as unemployed, a person must meet three criteria: not have been employed during the reference week, have been available for work, and have actively sought employment within the preceding four weeks. The duration is not limited to 'the last month'.
CPS unemployment data is directly tied to a person's eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits.
Answer: False
Explanation: The unemployment status determined by the CPS is independent of an individual's eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits.
Students who are not looking for work are classified as employed in the CPS.
Answer: False
Explanation: Students who are not actively seeking employment are typically classified as 'not in the labor force,' not employed.
The CPS classifies individuals temporarily absent due to illness as 'not in the labor force'.
Answer: False
Explanation: Individuals temporarily absent from their jobs due to illness, provided they intend to return, are classified as employed in the CPS, not 'not in the labor force'.
Which of the following is a criterion for classifying an individual as employed in the CPS?
Answer: Performing any work for pay or profit during the reference week.
Explanation: Performing any type of work for remuneration, whether as an employee or self-employed, during the designated reference week is a fundamental criterion for classification as employed in the CPS.
An individual temporarily absent from work due to illness is classified as employed in the CPS if:
Answer: They intend to return to their job.
Explanation: For an individual temporarily absent from work due to illness to be classified as employed, the critical condition is their intention to return to their position.
To be classified as unemployed in the CPS, a person must meet all of the following EXCEPT:
Answer: Have been unemployed for at least four weeks.
Explanation: While not being employed, being available for work, and actively seeking employment are necessary conditions for unemployment classification in the CPS, there is no minimum duration requirement of 'at least four weeks' for the definition itself.
The CPS definition of unemployment is independent of:
Answer: Eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits
Explanation: The criteria used by the CPS to define unemployment—namely, availability for work, active job search, and lack of employment during the reference week—are distinct from and not contingent upon an individual's eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits.
Who is categorized as 'not in the labor force' according to the CPS definitions?
Answer: Individuals who are neither employed nor unemployed.
Explanation: The category 'not in the labor force' encompasses individuals who are not currently employed and are also not actively seeking employment. This includes students, retirees, and those primarily engaged in household duties.
Discouraged workers are individuals who have stopped looking for a job because they believe no work is available.
Answer: True
Explanation: Discouraged workers are defined within the CPS framework as individuals who want and are available for work but have ceased their job search due to a belief that no employment opportunities exist or for other job-market related reasons.
Marginally attached workers are defined as those who are currently employed but seeking better opportunities.
Answer: False
Explanation: Marginally attached workers are defined as individuals who are neither employed nor actively seeking employment but indicate they want and are available for a job, and have sought work in the past 12 months. This definition does not include currently employed individuals.
Discouraged workers are a subset of marginally attached workers.
Answer: True
Explanation: Discouraged workers, who have stopped looking for employment due to job-market related reasons, are indeed a specific subgroup within the broader category of marginally attached workers.
Individuals working part-time are classified as 'employed part-time for economic reasons' only if they prefer not to work full-time.
Answer: False
Explanation: Individuals are classified as 'employed part-time for economic reasons' when they desire and are available for full-time employment but are currently working part-time. The statement implies the opposite preference.
Within CPS definitions, 'underemployment' refers to individuals working part-time who prefer full-time work.
Answer: True
Explanation: The concept of underemployment, as reflected in CPS data, primarily pertains to individuals who are working part-time but desire and are available for full-time employment ('employed part-time for economic reasons').
What distinguishes 'discouraged workers' from other individuals 'not in the labor force' in CPS definitions?
Answer: They have stopped looking for work due to job-market related reasons.
Explanation: The defining characteristic of discouraged workers is their cessation of job seeking specifically because they perceive a lack of available employment or other job-market related barriers, differentiating them from others not in the labor force.
What defines individuals classified as 'employed part-time for economic reasons'?
Answer: They work part-time but desire and are available for full-time work.
Explanation: Individuals are categorized as 'employed part-time for economic reasons' when they wish to work full-time and are available to do so, but are currently employed in a part-time capacity.
How does the CPS data relate to the concept of 'underemployment'?
Answer: It identifies individuals working part-time for economic reasons, a key indicator of underemployment.
Explanation: While the CPS does not have a single, direct 'underemployment rate' metric, it captures key indicators such as individuals working part-time for economic reasons, which is a primary component of underemployment.
The Current Population Survey (CPS) was established in the 1940s, with the Census Bureau assuming its conduction shortly thereafter.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Current Population Survey (CPS) commenced in 1940, and the United States Census Bureau took over its conduction in 1942.
The most recent redesign of the CPS sample began in April 2014.
Answer: True
Explanation: The most recent comprehensive redesign of the sample for the Current Population Survey (CPS) was initiated in April 2014.
The 1994 overhaul of the CPS resulted in the official unemployment rate being renamed U7.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 1994 overhaul of the CPS led to the renaming of the official unemployment rate from U5 to U3. The U7 measure was not introduced or renamed in this revision.
Prior to 1994, the measure U6 represented the total unemployed plus half the number of part-time workers.
Answer: True
Explanation: Before the 1994 revisions, the U6 measure in the CPS was defined as the total number of unemployed individuals plus half the count of those working part-time for economic reasons.
In the post-1994 CPS measures, U-3 represents the total unemployed and is considered the official unemployment rate.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the 1994 revisions to the Current Population Survey (CPS), the U-3 measure, which represents the total unemployed, is designated as the official unemployment rate.
Supplemental questions regarding income have been included in the CPS since the 1940s.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Current Population Survey (CPS) has incorporated supplemental questions concerning income received in the previous calendar year since 1948, which falls within the 1940s decade.
When did the Current Population Survey (CPS) initially begin?
Answer: 1940
Explanation: The Current Population Survey (CPS) was initially established in the year 1940.
The 1994 CPS revisions led to significant changes in:
Answer: The naming and definition of unemployment measures
Explanation: A primary outcome of the 1994 redesign of the Current Population Survey (CPS) was the revision and renaming of various unemployment measures, including the official unemployment rate.
Which CPS unemployment measure, after the 1994 revisions, is considered the official unemployment rate?
Answer: U-3
Explanation: Following the 1994 revisions, the U-3 measure, which represents the total number of unemployed individuals, is officially designated as the standard unemployment rate.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes the 'Employment Situation' report using data collected from the CPS.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) utilizes the data gathered by the Current Population Survey (CPS) to compile and publish the monthly 'Employment Situation' report.
CPS reports break down employment status data by characteristics such as age, sex, race, and marital status.
Answer: True
Explanation: Current Population Survey (CPS) reports provide detailed breakdowns of employment status data across various demographic categories, including age, sex, race, Hispanic origin, and marital status.
CPS reports provide details on the occupation and industry of an unemployed person's *next* job.
Answer: False
Explanation: CPS reports detail the occupation and industry of an unemployed person's *last* job, not their prospective next job.
The CPS collects data on job tenure, meaning how long an individual has held their current position.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Current Population Survey (CPS) does collect data on job tenure, which refers to the duration an individual has maintained their current employment position.
The CPS does not collect any information regarding earnings.
Answer: False
Explanation: The CPS does collect and report information regarding earnings, including weekly and hourly rates, often with detailed breakdowns by various demographic and employment characteristics.
The CPS reports the labor force participation rate, calculated as the labor force as a percentage of the total population.
Answer: True
Explanation: The labor force participation rate, as reported by the CPS, is indeed calculated by expressing the size of the labor force (employed plus unemployed) as a percentage of the total civilian noninstitutional population.
CPS microdata is available to researchers dating back to 1962 through the IPUMS system.
Answer: True
Explanation: Researchers can access detailed CPS microdata, dating back to 1962, through the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS) platform.
The CPS Annual Social and Economic Supplement (ASEC), or March Supplement, focuses on data from the upcoming calendar year.
Answer: False
Explanation: The CPS Annual Social and Economic Supplement (ASEC), also known as the March Supplement, collects data on income received during the *previous* calendar year, not the upcoming one.
The Census Bureau's annual report on income, poverty, and health insurance coverage uses data from the CPS ASEC.
Answer: True
Explanation: The annual report published by the Census Bureau detailing income, poverty, and health insurance coverage relies significantly on the data collected through the CPS Annual Social and Economic Supplement (ASEC).
The CPS has never included supplements on topics beyond basic employment and unemployment.
Answer: False
Explanation: The CPS has frequently included supplemental questionnaires covering a wide array of topics beyond basic employment and unemployment, such as income, education, health, and veteran status.
The 'Employment Situation' report is a quarterly publication detailing historical employment data.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Employment Situation' report is a *monthly* publication by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), providing current estimates of labor market conditions, not primarily historical data.
The CPS measures the labor force participation rate as the percentage of the employed population relative to the total population.
Answer: False
Explanation: The labor force participation rate is calculated as the labor force (employed plus unemployed) expressed as a percentage of the total civilian noninstitutional population, not just the employed population.
What is the 'Employment Situation' report?
Answer: A monthly report by the BLS based on CPS data, detailing labor market estimates.
Explanation: The 'Employment Situation' report is a key monthly publication issued by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which utilizes data from the Current Population Survey (CPS) to present critical estimates regarding the U.S. labor market.
CPS reports include employment status data broken down by various demographic factors, such as:
Answer: Race, sex, and Hispanic origin
Explanation: CPS reports provide detailed demographic breakdowns of employment status, commonly including categories such as race, sex, and Hispanic origin, alongside age and marital status.
What information does the CPS gather regarding individuals holding multiple jobs?
Answer: Occupation, industry, number of jobs, and status (full/part-time) of each
Explanation: For individuals holding multiple positions, the CPS collects data on the occupation and industry of each job, the total number of jobs held, and whether each job is classified as full-time or part-time.
Which of the following details about unemployed persons is NOT typically provided in CPS reports?
Answer: Expected salary for the next job
Explanation: CPS reports provide extensive information on the duration of unemployment, job search methods, and the occupation of the last job held by unemployed individuals. However, data on the expected salary for their next job is not typically collected or reported.
What is the significance of the CPS Annual Social and Economic Supplement (ASEC), also known as the March Supplement?
Answer: It includes supplemental questions on income received in the previous calendar year.
Explanation: The CPS Annual Social and Economic Supplement (ASEC), or March Supplement, is significant because it incorporates detailed questions about income earned during the preceding calendar year, enabling analysis of income, poverty, and health insurance coverage.
CPS microdata, available through IPUMS, allows researchers to access data dating back to what year?
Answer: 1962
Explanation: Researchers can access CPS microdata through the IPUMS system, with available data extending back to the year 1962.
What does the CPS measure regarding the 'labor force participation rate'?
Answer: The proportion of the total population that is either employed or actively seeking employment.
Explanation: The labor force participation rate, as measured by the CPS, represents the percentage of the civilian noninstitutional population aged 16 years and over that is either employed or unemployed (actively seeking employment).
Which of the following is an example of a topic covered by occasional CPS survey supplements, besides income?
Answer: Adult education and volunteering
Explanation: Occasional supplements to the CPS have addressed various topics, including adult education and volunteering activities, demonstrating the survey's flexibility beyond core employment statistics.