Summary: | The Current
Population Survey (CPS) is a household sample survey conducted monthly
by the Census Bureau to provide estimates of employment, unemployment,
and other characteristics of the general labor force, estimates of the
population as a whole, and estimates of various subgroups in the
population. The March survey, Annual Social and Economic (ASEC)
Supplement (prior to 2003 called the Annual Demographic Files) contain
the core labor force information included in every Current Population
Survey as well as data on income and work experience. Detailed
demographic data representative of the noninstitutionalized United
States civilian population, including members of the armed forces
living in civilian housing units, are provided in the Annual Social
and Economic (ASEC) Supplement as well. Additional surveys conducted
during other months contain the core labor force and demographic
information along with supplemental data on one or more specific
topics. Supplement topics include after-tax money income (March),
noncash benefit values (March), displaced workers, job tenure,
occupational mobility, contingent (temporary) work, adult education,
pension and retirement plan coverage, multiple job-holding and premium
pay, marital history, fertility and birth expectations (June),
immigration, school enrollment (October), voting behavior (November),
tobacco use, food security, and Internet and computer usage. A major
redesign of the Current Population Survey was implemented in January
1994. The primary aim of the redesign was to improve the quality of
the data derived from the survey by introducing a new questionnaire
and modernized data collection methods. |
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