What is the Current Population Survey (CPS) and what is its primary function?

The Current Population Survey (CPS) is a monthly statistical survey conducted in the United States. Its primary function is to gather data on employment and unemployment, providing key estimates for the nation's labor market.

Who is responsible for conducting the Current Population Survey, and for which agency?

The Current Population Survey (CPS) is conducted by the United States Census Bureau. The data collected is for the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which uses it to publish reports on employment.

When was the Current Population Survey established, and when did the Census Bureau take over its conduction?

The Current Population Survey (CPS) began in 1940, and the responsibility for conducting the survey was transferred to the United States Census Bureau in 1942.

What is the approximate number of households surveyed each month for the Current Population Survey?

Approximately 60,000 households are eligible to be surveyed each month as part of the Current Population Survey (CPS).

What key labor market statistics are derived from the CPS data and published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) uses data from the CPS to publish early monthly reports known as the Employment Situation. These reports provide estimates of the unemployment rate and the numbers of employed and unemployed people in the United States.

What age group is considered when determining employment status in the CPS, and how are individuals classified?

The survey assesses the employment status of each household member aged 15 years or older. Based on their responses about work and job search activities, individuals aged 16 and over are then classified as employed, unemployed, or not in the labor force.

What does the logo displayed in the infobox represent in relation to the Current Population Survey?

The logo shown in the infobox is that of the United States Census Bureau, which is the agency responsible for conducting the Current Population Survey.

Where is the headquarters of the agency overseeing the Current Population Survey located?

The headquarters for the agency involved with the Current Population Survey is located in Suitland, Maryland.

Describe the rotation pattern for households participating in the Current Population Survey.

Households selected for the CPS are interviewed for four consecutive months. They are then not interviewed for a period of eight months, after which they are returned to the sample for another four months.

Who provides the necessary information for all members of a household during a CPS interview?

An adult member of each surveyed household is responsible for providing the information for all individuals residing within that household during the interview.

How frequently are the sample designs for the Current Population Survey typically redesigned?

The sample design for the Current Population Survey (CPS) is generally redesigned once every decade, following the decennial census.

When did the most recent redesign of the Current Population Survey sample commence?

The most recent redesign of the sample for the Current Population Survey (CPS) began in April 2014.

What is the standard reference week used in the CPS for determining employment status, and how are holidays handled?

Respondents in the CPS are typically asked about their employment status during the calendar week that includes the 12th day of the month. This reference week may occasionally be adjusted to avoid conflicts with holidays, ensuring all respondents are surveyed for the same week.

What are the criteria for classifying an individual as employed in the Current Population Survey?

An individual is classified as employed if they performed any work for pay as an employee, operated their own business, profession, or farm, or worked without pay for at least 15 hours in a family business or farm during the reference week. Additionally, individuals temporarily absent from their jobs due to reasons like illness, vacation, or labor disputes are also counted as employed.

Under what circumstances are individuals considered temporarily absent from their jobs but still classified as employed in the CPS?

Individuals are considered employed even if temporarily absent from their jobs due to reasons such as illness, bad weather, vacation, labor-management disputes, or personal matters.

What three conditions must be met for a person to be classified as unemployed in the CPS?

To be classified as unemployed, a person must not have been employed during the reference week, must have been available for work at that time, and must have made specific efforts to find employment within the four-week period ending with the reference week. An exception exists for those laid off and expecting recall.

Is the unemployment data collected by the CPS dependent on a person's eligibility for unemployment insurance?

No, the unemployment data derived from the CPS household survey is independent of whether a worker is eligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits.

Who is categorized as 'not in the labor force' according to the CPS definitions?

Individuals who are neither employed nor unemployed are classified as 'not in the labor force'. This category includes people who do not have a job and are not actively seeking one, such as students, retirees, or those occupied with family responsibilities.

What are 'discouraged workers' within the context of the CPS classification system?

Discouraged workers are a specific subset of individuals classified as 'not in the labor force'. They are individuals who want and are available for a job but have stopped looking for employment due to a belief that no work is available or other job-market related reasons.

What does the image depicting unemployment rates illustrate about the data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics?

The image illustrates the unemployment rate as a percentage of the civilian labor force in the United States, showing variations across different states, as compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What major overhaul occurred within the Current Population Survey in 1994?

In 1994, the administration and the specific questions used in the Current Population Survey (CPS) underwent a significant overhaul and redesign.

How did the 1994 revisions impact the naming and definition of unemployment measures within the CPS?

The 1994 revisions led to a renaming and redefinition of several alternative unemployment measures. For instance, measures previously known as U5 and U6 were revised and renamed U3 and U5, respectively, while the official unemployment rate (previously U5) was renamed U3.

What were the CPS-based measures of unemployment prior to the 1994 revisions?

Before 1994, the CPS-based measures of unemployment included U-1 (persons unemployed 15 weeks or longer), U-2 (job losers), U-3 (unemployed persons aged 25 and older), U-4 (unemployed persons seeking full-time jobs), U-5 (total unemployed persons, the official rate), U-6 (total unemployed plus half of part-time workers), and U-7 (U-6 plus discouraged workers).

What are the CPS-based measures of unemployment as defined after the 1994 revisions?

After 1994, the CPS-based unemployment measures are: U-1 (persons unemployed 15 weeks or longer), U-2 (job losers and persons who completed temporary jobs), U-3 (total unemployed, the official rate), U-4 (total unemployed plus discouraged workers), U-5 (total unemployed plus discouraged workers and other marginally attached workers), and U-6 (total unemployed plus marginally attached workers and those employed part-time for economic reasons).

How are 'marginally attached workers' defined in the context of the post-1994 CPS measures?

Marginally attached workers are individuals who are currently neither working nor looking for work but indicate they want and are available for a job, and have sought work in the past 12 months but not in the past 4 weeks.

What is the relationship between 'discouraged workers' and 'marginally attached workers' in the CPS definitions?

Discouraged workers are a subset of marginally attached workers. While both groups want and are available for work and have looked in the past 12 months, discouraged workers specifically cite a job-market related reason, such as believing no work is available, for not currently looking.

How are individuals classified as 'employed part-time for economic reasons' within the CPS?

Persons employed part-time for economic reasons are those who desire full-time employment and are available to accept a full-time job, but are currently working part-time. This situation is sometimes referred to as underemployment.

What demographic characteristics are reported for the civilian noninstitutional population aged 16 and over in CPS reports?

CPS reports provide employment status data for the civilian noninstitutional population aged 16 and over, broken down by characteristics such as age, sex, race, Hispanic origin, marital status, family relationship, and Vietnam-era veteran status.

What details are provided about employed persons in the Current Population Survey reports?

CPS reports include information on employed persons regarding their occupation, industry, class of worker, hours of work, whether they work full-time or part-time, and the reasons for working part-time if applicable.

What specific information does the CPS gather regarding individuals who hold multiple jobs?

For individuals who hold multiple jobs, the CPS collects data on their occupation, industry, the number of jobs they hold, and the full- or part-time status of each of those jobs.

What aspects of unemployment are detailed in the Current Population Survey reports?

CPS reports provide details on unemployed persons, including the occupation and industry of their last job, the duration of their unemployment, the reason they are unemployed, and the methods they used to search for employment.

Which specific subgroups of individuals not in the labor force are highlighted in CPS reports?

CPS reports specifically mention discouraged workers and other persons not in the labor force, sometimes focusing on subgroups like women maintaining families, working women with children, displaced workers, and disabled veterans.

What types of information related to work experience and job tenure are available from CPS data?

The CPS collects data on the work experience of individuals, their occupational mobility (how their job roles change over time), job tenure (how long they have held their current job), educational attainment, and school enrollment status.

What kind of earnings data is collected and reported through the Current Population Survey?

The CPS reports on weekly and hourly earnings, providing detailed breakdowns by demographic group, occupation, education level, union affiliation, and employment status (full-time versus part-time).

Besides employment and unemployment figures, what other key rates does the CPS report?

The CPS reports the labor force participation rate, which is calculated as the labor force expressed as a percentage of the total population. It also reports the ratio of employed individuals to the total population of the United States.

Beyond its primary focus on employment, what secondary role does the CPS fulfill?

In addition to its main purpose of recording employment information, the CPS serves a secondary role by providing demographic data about the population of the United States.

Where can researchers access CPS microdata, and for what time period is it available?

Researchers can access CPS microdata for the period dating back to 1962. This data is made freely available through the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS).

What is the significance of the CPS Annual Social and Economic Supplement (ASEC), commonly known as the March Supplement?

The CPS Annual Social and Economic Supplement (ASEC), or March Supplement, is significant because it includes supplemental questions on income received in the previous calendar year. This data is crucial for estimating income, poverty, and health insurance coverage.

Since when has the CPS included supplemental questions regarding income and work experience?

The CPS has included supplemental questions concerning income received in the previous calendar year since 1948. Initially asked in April, these questions were later moved to be part of the March survey.

What annual report by the Census Bureau relies on data from the CPS ASEC?

The annual Census Bureau report on income, poverty, and health insurance coverage utilizes the data collected through the CPS Annual Social and Economic Supplement (ASEC).

What are some examples of topics, besides income, that have been covered in regular or occasional CPS survey supplements?

Occasional CPS survey supplements have covered a variety of topics, including after-tax money income, non-cash benefits, displaced workers, job tenure, occupational mobility, temporary and contingent work, adult education, volunteering, tobacco use, food availability, fertility, and information about veterans.

What is the 'Employment Situation' report, and how does it relate to the CPS?

The 'Employment Situation' is a monthly report published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) that provides key estimates on unemployment rates and the numbers of employed and unemployed individuals in the U.S. This report is based on data collected through the Current Population Survey (CPS).

What does the term 'civilian noninstitutional population' refer to in the context of the CPS?

The 'civilian noninstitutional population' refers to the group of individuals who are civilians (not in the military) and are not residing in institutions (like prisons or long-term care facilities). The CPS sample is designed to represent this population group.

How does the CPS handle data collection for individuals who are temporarily absent from their jobs?

The CPS classifies individuals as employed if they were temporarily absent from their jobs during the reference week for reasons such as illness, vacation, labor disputes, or personal matters, provided they intended to return to their jobs.

What is the purpose of the 'Employment Situation Summary' provided monthly by the BLS?

The 'Employment Situation Summary' is a readable overview provided monthly by the BLS that highlights the key findings from the Employment Situation report, making the data more accessible to the public.

What is the role of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in relation to the Current Population Survey?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) commissions the Current Population Survey (CPS) and is responsible for analyzing the data collected by the Census Bureau to produce monthly reports on employment and unemployment, such as the Employment Situation.

What is the definition of 'underemployed' as it relates to CPS data?

Within the context of CPS data, individuals who want full-time work and are available for it, but are currently working part-time, are sometimes referred to as underemployed. This classification aligns with those identified as 'employed part-time for economic reasons'.

What does the CPS measure regarding the labor force participation rate?

The CPS measures the labor force participation rate, which indicates the proportion of the total U.S. population that is either employed or actively seeking employment.

What is the significance of the CPS microdata being available through the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS)?

The availability of CPS microdata through IPUMS allows researchers to conduct in-depth analyses on various topics related to employment, demographics, and socioeconomic factors using detailed, individual-level survey responses dating back to 1962.

What types of information are collected regarding the methods individuals use to find employment?

CPS reports detail the methods unemployed persons have used to search for employment, providing insight into job-seeking behaviors and the effectiveness of different strategies.

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Overview

Core Function

The Current Population Survey (CPS) is a pivotal monthly survey conducted across approximately 60,000 U.S. households. Its primary objective is to gather comprehensive data on employment and unemployment within the nation. This survey is a collaborative effort, executed by the United States Census Bureau on behalf of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Key Output: Employment Situation

The data meticulously collected by the CPS forms the basis for the BLS's highly anticipated monthly "Employment Situation" report. This report provides critical estimates of the national unemployment rate, alongside figures for the employed and unemployed populations, offering a vital snapshot of the U.S. economy's health.

Institutional Framework

Established in 1940, the CPS has been administered by the Census Bureau since 1942. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is the principal agency responsible for the analysis and dissemination of the survey's findings. The survey's sample is designed to represent the civilian noninstitutional population, ensuring broad coverage.

Methodology

Sampling Design

The CPS employs a sophisticated multistage stratified statistical sampling scheme to select approximately 60,000 eligible households. This rigorous approach ensures that the sample is representative of the diverse U.S. population, allowing for statistically valid inferences.

Longitudinal Tracking

A key aspect of the CPS methodology involves interviewing households for four consecutive months. Following this initial period, households are temporarily excluded from the sample for eight months before being re-interviewed for another four consecutive months. This panel design allows for tracking changes over time.

Reference Week

Respondents are queried about their employment status concerning a specific calendar week, typically the week of the month that includes the 12th day. This standardized reference week ensures consistency across all respondents and survey cycles, facilitating accurate comparisons.

Sample Redesign

The CPS undergoes periodic redesigns, synchronized with the decennial U.S. Census, to maintain methodological relevance and accuracy. The most recent significant redesign commenced in April 2014, incorporating updated questionnaires and collection methodologies.

Employment Classification

Defining Employment

Individuals are classified as employed if they engaged in any form of paid work during the reference week. This includes working as a paid employee, operating their own business or farm, or working without pay for at least 15 hours in a family-operated business or farm. Temporary absences due to illness, weather, or labor disputes also count as employment.

Criteria for Unemployment

A person is classified as unemployed if they meet three stringent criteria: they were not employed during the reference week, they were available for work at that time, and they actively sought employment during the four-week period preceding the reference week. An exception exists for individuals laid off and expecting recall.

Not in Labor Force

Individuals who are neither employed nor unemployed are categorized as "not in the labor force." This group includes retirees, students, individuals managing household responsibilities, and "discouraged workers"—those who have ceased looking for employment due to a belief that no jobs are available.

Alternative Measures

The BLS provides several alternative measures of labor underutilization beyond the official unemployment rate (U3). These measures, ranging from U1 to U6, offer a more nuanced perspective by incorporating factors such as long-term unemployment, job losers, discouraged workers, and those employed part-time for economic reasons.

The CPS defines various measures of labor underutilization:

U-1: Persons unemployed 15 weeks or longer, as a percentage of the civilian labor force.
U-2: Job losers and persons who completed temporary jobs, as a percentage of the civilian labor force.
U-3: Total unemployed, as a percentage of the civilian labor force (the official unemployment rate).
U-4: Total unemployed plus discouraged workers, as a percentage of the civilian labor force plus discouraged workers.
U-5: Total unemployed, plus all marginally attached workers, as a percentage of the civilian labor force plus all marginally attached workers.
U-6: Total unemployed, plus all marginally attached workers, plus total employed part-time for economic reasons, as a percentage of the civilian labor force plus all marginally attached workers.

Marginally attached workers are those not currently working or looking for work but who want and are available for a job and have looked for work recently. Discouraged workers are a subset who believe no work is available.

Historical Evolution

Origins and Early Development

The Current Population Survey was initiated in 1940, with the U.S. Census Bureau assuming responsibility for its administration in 1942. Initially, it served as a foundational tool for understanding the nation's labor dynamics during a period of significant economic change.

The 1994 Revisions

A substantial overhaul of the CPS occurred in 1994, involving significant revisions to its administration and survey questions. This redesign led to the renaming and redefinition of various unemployment measures, enhancing the precision and scope of the data collected.

Sample Size Expansion

In July 2001, the Bureau of Labor Statistics augmented the CPS sample size by an additional 10,000 households. This expansion aimed to improve the reliability of estimates, particularly for smaller demographic groups and geographic areas.

Data Availability

Core Labor Force Metrics

The CPS provides detailed data on the employment status of the civilian noninstitutional population aged 16 and over. This includes classifications by age, sex, race, Hispanic origin, marital status, family relationships, and veteran status.

Employment Details

Information is collected on employed persons, detailing their occupation, industry, class of worker, hours worked, full-time/part-time status, and reasons for part-time employment. Data on multiple jobholders is also captured.

Unemployment Specifics

For unemployed individuals, the survey gathers data on the occupation, industry, and class of worker of their last job, duration of unemployment, reasons for unemployment, and methods used to find employment.

Broader Economic Indicators

Beyond core employment metrics, the CPS reports on discouraged workers and other marginally attached individuals. It also provides data on labor force participation rates and the ratio of employed persons to the total population. Furthermore, microdata since 1962 are accessible via the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS) for advanced research.

Annual Supplement (ASEC)

Income and Poverty Data

Since 1948, the CPS has incorporated an annual supplement, historically conducted in March. This supplement collects data on income received in the preceding calendar year, serving as the primary source for the Census Bureau's annual reports on income, poverty, and health insurance coverage.

Diverse Survey Topics

In addition to income, the ASEC and other periodic supplements gather crucial information on a wide array of topics. These have included after-tax income, non-cash benefits, displaced workers, job tenure, occupational mobility, contingent work arrangements, adult education, volunteering, tobacco use, food security, fertility patterns, and veteran status.

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References

Current Population Survey (CPS) Main Page at census.gov

Employment Situation at bls.gov

Employment Situation Summary at bls.gov

Chapter 1: Labor Force Data Derived from the Current Population Survey, BLS Handbook of Methods

A full list of references for this article are available at the Current Population Survey Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This content has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence model and is intended for educational and informational purposes exclusively. The information presented is derived from a snapshot of publicly available data, primarily from the Wikipedia article on the Current Population Survey, and may not encompass all nuances or the most current developments.

This is not professional statistical or economic advice. The data and interpretations provided herein should not substitute for consultation with qualified economists, statisticians, or policy analysts. Always refer to official publications from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the U.S. Census Bureau for definitive data and analysis. Reliance on the information presented on this page is solely at the user's own risk.

The creators of this page assume no liability for any inaccuracies, omissions, or consequences arising from the use of this information.

The Pulse of the Workforce

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

📊 Core Function

📈 Key Output: Employment Situation

🏛️ Institutional Framework

Methodology 🔬

🌐 Sampling Design

🗓️ Longitudinal Tracking

📅 Reference Week

🔄 Sample Redesign

Employment Classification 👥

💼 Defining Employment

❓ Criteria for Unemployment

🚶 Not in Labor Force

⚖️ Alternative Measures

Historical Evolution ⏳

📜 Origins and Early Development

🔄 The 1994 Revisions

🚀 Sample Size Expansion

Data Availability 💾

🔍 Core Labor Force Metrics

⚙️ Employment Details

❓ Unemployment Specifics

💡 Broader Economic Indicators

Annual Supplement (ASEC) 📚

💰 Income and Poverty Data

📈 Diverse Survey Topics

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Core Function

Key Output: Employment Situation

Institutional Framework

Methodology

Sampling Design

Longitudinal Tracking

Reference Week

Sample Redesign

Employment Classification

Defining Employment

Criteria for Unemployment

Not in Labor Force

Alternative Measures

Historical Evolution

Origins and Early Development

The 1994 Revisions

Sample Size Expansion

Data Availability

Core Labor Force Metrics

Employment Details

Unemployment Specifics

Broader Economic Indicators

Annual Supplement (ASEC)

Income and Poverty Data

Diverse Survey Topics

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice