The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics invites economists to comment on the design of its Consumer Expenditure Survey, particularly the Quarterly Interview and Diary
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/07/19/2019-15363/agency-information-collection-activities-submission-for-omb-review-comment-request-consumer
Comments are due by August 19, 2019.
Summary of CEX and proposed changes: The Consumer Expenditure Surveys are used to gather information on expenditures, income, and other related subjects. These data are used to periodically update the national Consumer Price Index. In addition the data are used by a variety of researchers in academia, government agencies, and the private sector.
The data are collected from a national probability sample of households designed to represent the total civilian non-institutional population. In order to accommodate Large Scale Feasibility Online Diary test, several modifications will be made to production procedures and collection including the addition of two question relating to internet access, implementation of an online Diary, and the addition of debriefing questions.
The study will obtain an expected 1,200 completed cases. The large sample size is needed in order to perform statistically significant analysis of any differences in data quality between the online diaries and production (paper) diaries prior to full production implementation. The study sample will be further divided into two groups, with one group receiving a $5 incentive. The CPI program is changing its source of outlet frame information from the Telephone Point of Purchase Survey (TPOPS) to the CEQ and CED surveys. As a result, the sample size for the CE surveys will increase.
Details CEX plans and proposals available at
https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAViewICR?ref_nbr=201903-1220-001
Choose IC List for forms and Supporting Statement for narrative.
