Supporting Statement B

SUPPORTING STATEMENT

B. COLLECTION OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS

1. Respondent Universe

The August 2009 supplement will be conducted in conjunction with the CPS, for which the universe is 111 million households. From this universe, the Census Bureau selects a sample of approximately 72,000 households each month, of which approximately 60,000 households are eligible for interviews. The Census Bureau actually interviews about 55,000 households each month. The items in the supplement are asked, as appropriate, of members of the households.

2. Procedures for Collecting Information

This is a supplemental survey associated with the August 2009 CPS. The statistical properties of these supplemental items will fall within those associated with the CPS itself (Attachment G).

3. Methods to Maximize Response

Response rates and data accuracy for the CPS are maintained at high levels through internal consistency edits in the computerized instrument, interviewer instructions, training, and close monitoring of these data.

4. Testing of Procedures

Several questions in the 2009 supplement underwent cognitive testing and expert review because of concern that some respondents might not understand the questions and then provide accurate responses. Cognitive testing included questions about year of discharge, service connected disability, and service in a combat or war zone. The testing included both self and proxy respondents. Attachment H discusses finding from this cognitive testing of the August 2009 questionnaire. Attachment I discusses the reliability of the estimates produced from the August 2007 Veterans Supplement.

Prior to conducting the 2001 supplement, a focus group with state employment service specialists was held to help design questions concerning use of specific VETS-sponsored services and programs.

During the August 2001 interview, behavior coding was conducted to identify any problems in the questionnaire. And, following administration of the August 2001 supplement, focus groups were held with CPS interviewers in both the Tucson and Hagerstown Census call centers. Minor modifications were made to the supplement to incorporate findings from these efforts.

5. Contact Persons

The following individuals may be consulted concerning the statistical data collection and analysis operation:

Statistical Design:

Samson Adeshiyan

Demographic Statistical Methods Division

Bureau of the Census

(301) 763-5874

Statistical Analysis:

Dorinda Allard

Office of Employment and Unemployment Statistics

Division of Labor Force Statistics

Bureau of Labor Statistics

(202) 691-6470

Data Collection/Survey Design:

Lisa A. Clement

Current Population Survey Branch

Demographic Surveys Division

Bureau of the Census

(301) 763-5482

Attachments

A. Proposed Supplement Questions

B. Title 29, United States Code, Sections 1 through 9

C. News release from August 2007 survey

D. CPS Advance letter

E. Confidentiality Brochure

F. Title 13, United States Code

G. Overview of CPS Sample Design and Methodology

H. Summary of Cognitive Interview of Veterans Questionnaire

I. Source and Accuracy Statement for the August 2007 CPS Microdata File on Veterans