May 27 -- The Census Bureau invites public comments to OMB by June 28, 2021 on its proposed renewal of the collection of Basic Demographics in the Current Population Survey (CPS) through 2024.
The demographic information collected in the CPS provides a unique set of data on selected characteristics for the civilian noninstitutional population. We use these data in conjunction with other data, particularly the monthly labor force data, as well as periodic supplement data. We also use these data independently for internal analytic research and for evaluation of other surveys. In addition, we need these data to correctly control estimates of other characteristics to the proper proportions of age, sex, race, and origin.
We use the CPS data on household size and composition, age, education, ethnicity, and marital status to compile monthly averages or other aggregates for national and sub-national estimates. We use these data in four principal ways: in association with other data, such as monthly labor force or periodic supplement publications; for internal analytic research; for evaluation of other surveys and survey results; and as a general purpose sample and survey.
The demographic data are central to the publication of all labor force data in the BLS' monthly report Employment and Earnings. The data set that results from combining the monthly labor force data with the demographic data provides analysts with the ability to understand labor force patterns of many subpopulation groups. This is particularly important since the federal government often directs initiatives at special groups that historically have not conformed to general labor force participation patterns.
In addition to the contact and basic demographic information, questions may be added to the CPS on an “as-needed” basis, in the aftermath of a severe weather event, to determine the number of household members displaced as a result of the event. This is a small battery of questions, consisting of only one question for the vast majority of households. For those where someone evacuated from their home, even temporarily, followup questions ask who evacuated, where they evacuated to, and when they returned home. These questions will not change over the period of this clearance request. They will appear in the CPS for several months, and once deemed no longer needed, they will be removed.
CPS webpage, including documentation:
https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/cps.html
CPS Demographics submission to OMB:
https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAViewICR?ref_nbr=202105-0607-004 Click on IC List for survey instrument, View Supporting Statement for additional technical documentation
FR notice inviting comments to OMB:
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/05/27/2021-11273/agency-information-collection-activities-submission-to-the-office-of-management-and-budget-omb-for
Point of contact: Kyra Linse, Acting Survey Director, Current Population Surveys dsd.cps@census.gov 301-763-9280
For AEA members wishing to provide comments, "A Primer on How to Respond to Calls for Comment on Federal Data Collections" is available at
https://www.aeaweb.org/content/file?id=5806