Household Pulse Survey (Phase 3.6) -- Census invites comments to OMB on proposed revisions (by 8/19)

Question

July 20 -- The Census Bureau invites public comments to OMB by May 19, 2022 on the proposed Household Pulse Survey Phase 3.5.

The Household Pulse Survey was designed to meet a need for timely information associated with household experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Department is committed to ensuring that the data collected by the Household Pulse Survey continue to meet information needs as they may evolve over the course of the pandemic. This notice serves to inform of the Department's intent to request clearance from OMB to make some revisions to the Household Pulse Survey questionnaire. To ensure that the data collected by the Household Pulse Survey continue to meet information needs as they evolve over the course of the pandemic, the Census Bureau submits this Request for Revision to an Existing Collection for a revised Phase 3.6 questionnaire.
 
Phase 3.6 includes new questions on the ability to carry out day-to-day activities due to experiencing long COVID, non-parental childcare arrangements and costs of childcare, changes in transportation behaviors due to cost of gas, a series of questions regarding access to infant formula, and inflation and changes in behavior due to increasing prices. Questions on K-12 enrollment and educational catch-up activities will be reinstated for Phase 3.6. There are also modifications to existing questions, including changing the reference period for the unemployment insurance items, adding Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) as a response option to the question that asks about how households meet spending needs, and replacing employment categories with the standard North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. Several questions will be removed for Phase 3.6, including questions on lack of access to childcare, use of public transportation and ridesharing, working or volunteering outside the home, receipt and use of the Child Tax Credit, post-secondary educational disruptions, and telehealth for adults and children.

It is the Department's intention to commence data collection using the revised instrument on or about August 24, 2022. The Department invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. Public comments were previously sought on the Household Pulse Survey via the Federal Register on May 19, 2020, June 3, 2020, February 1, 2021, April 13, 2021, June 24, 2021, October 26, 2021, January 24, 2022, and April 18, 2022.  
 
Household Pulse Survey website: https://www.census.gov/data/experimental-data-products/household-pulse-survey.html
Phase 3.6 submission to OMB: https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAViewICR?ref_nbr=202207-0607-002 Click on IC List for questionnaire, View Supporting Statement for technical documentation. Submit comments through this site.
FR notice inviting public comment: https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2022-15465
 
For AEA members wishing to submit 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

Answer 1

The questions on inflation should be especially interesting. Definitely consider submitting comments if you have ideas on how to improve:

INFLATE1 In the area where you live and shop, do you think the prices for goods and services have changed in the last two months? Select only one answer.
o    I think prices have increased
o    I do not think prices have changed
o    I think prices have decreased
o    I do not know

(Universe: INFLATE1=1)
INFLATE2 How stressful, if at all, has the increase in prices in the last two months been for you? Select only one answer.
o    Very stressful
o    Moderately stressful
o    A little stressful
o    Not at all stressful

(Universe: INFLATE1=1)
INFLATE3 What changes, if any, have you made to cope with the increase in prices? (Select all that apply).
    Shop at stores that offer lower prices, look for sales, and/or use coupons
    Switch from name brand to generic products
    Purchase less fresh produce and/or meat
    Go out to eat less often or order food for delivery less often
    Cancel or reduce subscription services (e.g., streaming services, meal delivery services, cell phone plan)
    Cancel or decrease plans to attend events
    Drive less or change mode of transportation (e.g., bike or take metro instead of drive)
    Delay major purchases (e.g., home repair/renovation, vacations, vehicles, home appliances, cell phone or computer)
    Delay medical treatment (e.g., refill prescription, surgery)
    Work additional job(s)/shift(s) to supplement income
    Contribute less to savings and/or retirement accounts
    Increase use of credit cards, loans, and/or pawnshops
    Decrease use of utilities (e.g., cooling, heating, water, electricity)
    Move to less expensive housing
    Ask friends and/or family for help
    Change or reduce plans for childcare arrangements to save money
    Utilize benefits from charities
    Other
    I have not made any changes

(Ask everyone)
INFLATE4 In the area you live and shop, how concerned are you, if at all, that prices will increase in the next six months? Select only one answer.
o    Very concerned
o    Somewhat concerned
o    A little concerned
o    Not at all concerned.