Ongoing Intermittent Survey of Households

University of Michigan
Institute for Social Research
Survey Research Center

Surveys of Consumers

December 2019
Codebook

BLANK PAGE

3
Surveys of Consumers: December 2019
SECTION A: Economic Attitudes (A2-A15a)
VAR #
ID
(1)

INTERVIEW NUMBER

SAMPLE
(2)

SAMPLE TYPE
3. CELL INTERVIEW
4. CELL REINTERVIEW (June 2019)
5. CELL SECOND REINTERVIEW (December 2018, June 2019)

IDPREV
(3)

PREVIOUS ID
Code actual NUMBER (0001-0450 for Recons; 1001-1250 for Recon12)
0000. RDD IW

IDPREV2

PREVIOUS ID YEAR AGO RDD ID
Code actual NUMBER (0001-0450)
0000. RDD IW and Recon IW

AREACD
(4)

MATCH CODE (3 digits)
Code actual NUMBER (201-989)

5

Interviewer's ID Number
Code actual 8-digit number

IWMO1
(6)

Date Interview Began:
CODE MONTH (11,12)

MONTH

IWDA1
(7)

Date Interview Began:
Code DAY (01-31)

DAY

IWYR1
(8)

Date Interview Began:
Code YEAR (2019)

YEAR

IWMO2
(9)

Date Interview Concluded: MONTH
CODE MONTH (11,12)

IWDA2
(10)

Date Interview Concluded:
Code DAY (01-31)

DAY

IWYR2
(11)

Date Interview Concluded:
Code YEAR (2019)

YEAR

TIMETOT
(12)

Length of Interview
Code actual number of MINUTES (001-120)
. NA

14

INTERVIEWER CHECKPOINT
1. INTERVIEW COMPLETED WITH NO INTERRUPTION REQUIRING CALLBACK
2. INTERVIEW COMPLETED WITH ONE OR MORE INTERRUPTIONS REQUIRING
CALLBACK(S)
3. PARTIAL, 80% OR MORE COMPLETE
4. PARTIAL, 60-80% COMPLETE

4

15

INTERVIEWER CHECKPOINT
3. COVERSHEET IS RDD (CELL INTERVIEW)
4. COVERSHEET IS RECONTACT (CELL INTERVIEW)
5. COVERSHEET IS 12 MONTH RECONTACT (CELL INTERVIEW)

SAMPID
(16)

Sample ID

PHCELL
(17)

How many working cell phones do you (and your family living there) have
in your household? Please exclude cell phones that are for business use
only, but do include business cell phones that can be used for personal
calls.
Code actual number (00-15)
98.
DK
99.
NA

PHCLKID
(18)

How many of these cell phones are exclusively used by household members
under the age of eighteen?
Code actual number (00-15)
98.
DK
99.
NA
.
Inap, 0-1,98-99 in PHCELL; 2-15 in PHCELL AND 96 in NUMKID

PHLINE
(19)

(In addition to your household’s cell phone(s),) how many different
landline telephone numbers are there in your home? Please exclude
landline phone numbers that are for business use only, but do include
home-based business landline phone numbers that can be used for personal
calls.
Code actual number (00-15)
98.
DK
99.
NA

PHLNKID
(20)

How many of these landline phone numbers are used exclusively by
household members under the age of eighteen?
Code actual number (00-15)
98.
DK
99.
NA
.
Inap, 0-1,98-99 in PHLINE; 2-15 in PHLINE AND 96 in NUMKID

21

Coder's ID No.
01.
Supervisor or Project Staff
03.
Tony Romanowski
06.
Ann Munster
08.
Nancy Walker

AGE6BKT
(84)

R AGE SUMMARY
1. 18-24 years
2. 25-34 years
3. 35-44 years
4. 45-54 years
5. 55-64 years
6. 65-97 years
9. NA

5
EDUC
(85)

R EDUCATION SUMMARY
1. Grades 0-8 and no high school diploma
2. Grades 9-12 and no high school diploma
3. Grades 0-12 with high school diploma
4. Grades 13-17 with some college
5. Grades 13-16 with bachelors degree
6. Grade 17 with college degree
9. NA

SAGE6BKT
(86)

SPOUSE AGE SUMMARY
1. 18-24 years
2. 25-34 years
3. 35-44 years
4. 45-54 years
5. 55-64 years
6. 65-97 years
9. NA
. Inap, NO SPOUSE

SPEDUC
(87)

SPOUSE EDUCATION SUMMARY
1. Grades 0-8 and no high school diploma
2. Grades 9-12 and no high school diploma
3. Grades 0-12 with high school diploma
4. Grades 13-17 with some college
5. Grades 13-16 with college degree
6. Grade 17 with college degree
9. NA
. Inap, NO SPOUSE

REGION
(88)

REGION
1. West
2. Midwest
3. Northeast
4. South

REGION9

CENSUS DIVISION
1. New England
2. Mid-Atlantic
3. East North Central
4. West North Central
5. South-Atlantic
6. East South Central
7. West South Central
8. Mountain
9. Pacific

YYYYMM
(89)

SURVEY DATE

DATEPR
(90)

201906
REINTERVIEW DATE
. INAP, RDD interview

WT_AD
(93)

ADULT WEIGHT

201912

6
WT_HH
(94)

HOUSEHOLD WEIGHT

WT

HOUSEHOLD WEIGHT (WT_HH)

RECORD

INTERVIEW RECORDED
1. Respondent agreed to be recorded
2. Respondent did not want to be recorded

7
PAGO
(102)

A2.

PAGOR1 A2a.
PAGOR2
(103/4)

We are interested in how people are getting along financially these
days. Would you say that you (and your family living there) are better
off or worse off financially than you were a year ago?
1. BETTER NOW
3. SAME
5. WORSE NOW
8. DK
9. NA
Why do you say so?

(Are there any other reasons?)

REASONS FOR MAKING FU BETTER OFF
10.
Better pay: raise in wages or salary on present job, promotions,
higher commissions, change to higher paying job (include Armed
Forces induction or discharge) (Any family member who gets a raise
is coded 10); increased tips, bonuses
11.
Higher income from self-employment or property: higher business
profits or farm income, higher dividends, royalties or rents, more
income from professional practice or trade
12.
More work, hence more income: Head (or wife) started working
(again), more members of family working; higher income, NA why,
MORE MONEY (if self-employed, code 11)
13.
Increased contributions from outside FU: (from private
individuals, government pension, relief or welfare, gifts);
inheritance
14.
Lower prices: decrease in cost of living; low or reasonable
prices
15.
Lower taxes; low or unchanged taxes
16.
Decreased expenses: fewer people to be supported by FU; spending
less, NA whether 14 or 16; thrift
18.
Higher interest rates
19.
Better asset position: more savings; business or farm worth more;
has more business/farm assets; stocks went up; investments
20.
21.
23.
27.

38.
39.

Debt, interest or debt payments low or lower: have paid, is
paying bills; interest rates lower
Change in family composition means higher income or better off
(except 16 or 12); got married, etc. (no inheritance factor)
Good times, no recession (not codeable above) -- refers to the
general situation as being good
Other reasons for making FU better off: great security
(job more permanent, psychological security), greater
opportunities, higher standard of living, have more
things, future outlook improved, got insurance; bought
house, additions and repairs to house
Reference to government economic policy
Income tax refund

8
PAGOR1 A2a.
PAGOR2
(103/4)

(Continued)
REASONS FOR MAKING FU WORSE OFF
50.
Lower pay: decrease in wages or salary on present job, change to
lower paying job (including Armed Forces induction or discharge)
(Any family member who has a decrease in wages or salary is coded
50); no increase in pay; decreased tips, bonuses
51.
Lower income from self-employment or property: lower business
profits or farm income, lower dividends, royalties or rents, less
income from professional practice or trade
52.
Less work, hence less income: unemployed (refers to any
unemployed family member) laid off, sick, retired, on strike,
unsteady work, less overtime, fewer members of FU working, back to
student status, lower income NA why (if self-employed, code 51);
WORSE off because R/family member is/has been sick
53.
Decreased/Unchanged contributions from outside FU, "worse because
Social Security hasn't gone up" (if "same" because Social Security
hasn't gone up, DO NOT USE THIS CODE); "worse because on a fixed
income"
54.
High(er) prices: increase in cost of living; prices rise faster
than income; inflation; worse because raises have been too small
--code "no raise" or decrease in pay in 50
55.
Higher interest rates
56.
High, higher taxes (except 57)
57.
Income taxes
58.
Increased expenses; more people to be supported by FU; spending
more, NA whether 54, 55, 56, or 58
59.
Worse asset position: savings used up wholly or partially; less
business, farm or personal assets; stocks declined in value;
interest rates lower
60.
61.
63.
64.
67.

Debt: interest, debt, or debt payments high or higher
Change in family composition means lower income or worse off
(except 58); divorced, death, etc.
Bad times, recession (not codeable above--refers to the general
situation as being bad)
Strike(s)--not codeable in 52
Other reasons for making FU worse off: less security (job
less secure); lower standard of living

78.

Reference to government economic policy

98.
99.
00.

DK
NA
Inap, no change and no pro-con reason given; 9 in PAGO; no second
mention

9
PAGO5
(105)

A2b.

Now thinking back 5 years, would you say that you (and your family
living there) are better off or worse off financially now than you were
5 years ago?
1. BETTER NOW
3. SAME
5. WORSE NOW
8. DK
9. NA

PEXP
(106)

A3.

Now looking ahead--do you think that a year from now you (and your
family living there) will be better off financially, or worse off, or
just about the same as now?
1. WILL BE BETTER OFF
3. SAME
5. WILL BE WORSE OFF
8. DK
9. NA

PEXP5
(107)

A3b.

And 5 years from now, do you expect that you (and your family living
there) will be better off financially, worse off, or just about the same
as now?
1. WILL BE BETTER OFF
3. SAME
5. WILL BE WORSE OFF
8. DK
9. NA

BUS12
(108)

A4.

Now turning to business conditions in the country as a whole--do you
think that during the next 12 months we'll have good times financially,
or bad times, or what?
1. GOOD TIMES
2. GOOD WITH QUALIFICATIONS
3. PRO-CON
4. BAD WITH QUALIFICATIONS
5. BAD TIMES
8. DK
9. NA

BAGO
(109)

A5.

Would you say that at the present time business conditions are better or
worse than they were a year ago?
1. BETTER NOW
3. ABOUT THE SAME
5. WORSE NOW
8. DK
9. NA

10
NEWS1
A6.
NEWS2
(110/1) A6a.

During the last few
unfavorable changes
What did you hear?
unfavorable changes

months, have you heard of any favorable or
in business conditions?
(Have you heard of any other favorable or
in business conditions?

FAVORABLE CHANGES
GOVERNMENT, DEFENSE (any reference to defense, code 11 or 12)
10.
Recent or upcoming elections; new administration/Congress/
President
11.
More defense/military spending or production; worsening
international situation/prospects; acceleration of war/tensions;
more uncertainty about world peace
12.
Less defense/military spending or production; better international
prospects; fewer international tensions; less uncertainty about
world peace
13.
Specific government spending programs reformed/changed/
improved--NA whether increase or decrease in spending
14.
Specific government spending programs, begun or increased/
continued (other than defense) (e.g., employment, foreign aid,
space, welfare) (incl. programs "modified"/"improved" if
increased spending is stated or implied--otherwise code 13)
15.
Specific government spending programs eliminated or decreased
(other than defense) (e.g., employment, foreign aid, space,
welfare) government facilities/bases closed
16.
Taxes: tax changes/reforms; tax rebates
18.
Fiscal policy general; budgets; deficits; government spending in
general
19.
Government/Congress/Administration/President is taking steps to
improve business conditions/is taking right/helpful actions (not
codeable above)
17.
Other references to government
EMPLOYMENT AND PURCHASING POWER
20.
Opening of plants and factories (government facilities, code 14);
opening of stores (e.g., Meijer's)
21.
Consumer or auto demand is (will be) high; people want to buy; are
buying
22.
Purchasing power is (will be) high; people have money to spend;
wages high/will go up; any kind of personal income high or higher
23.
Employment has risen/is rising; more overtime; plenty of jobs or
work around; unemployment declining
24.
Population increase; more people to buy/use goods and services
25.
Low (lower) debts; high (higher) assets/savings; people/business
investing; investments up
28.
Production is increasing/is high; GNP is up
29.
Unemployment has risen/will rise (and that's good or necessary for
the economy)
27.
Other references to employment and purchasing power
PRICES
30.
Tight money; interest rates high; credit harder to get
31.
Lower or stable prices; prices won't rise; lower prices; less
inflation; price rebates
32.
High(er) prices; inflation; prices will rise (incl. specific
prices) (and that's good)

11
NEWS1
NEWS2
cont.

A6,A6a.

Continued

FAVORABLE CHANGES continued
33.
Easier money; credit easy to get; lower interest rates
34.
Crowd funding
35.
Profits high/rising
36.
Stock market; rise in price of stocks
38.
Balance of payments; world monetary situation; foreign
competition; dollar devaluation
39.
Controls (price and/or wage)
37.
Other references to prices/credit
MISCELLANEOUS
40.
Better race relations; less racial unrest; few urban social
problems; less crime
41.
Union disputes/strikes have been (will be) settled;
labor-management relations good
42.
Times are (business is) good now and won't change (much) in the
next year
43.
Bad times can't last; we are due for good times
44.
R sees signs of improvement already; R has heard or read that)
business is improving/good
45.
Improvements in specific industries; prospects good (favorable
changes) in R's line of work (except farming, code 46) or in R's
locality
46.
Farm situation good; crops good
48.
Economy in general more stable/under control; confidence, optimism
on part of consumers in general (not individual)
49.
Energy crisis lessened, less depletion of natural resources; more
control of pollution
47.
Other good factors or favorable references (include R has heard or
read that business will improve--no specific reason) (hasn't
happened yet)

12
NEWS1
NEWS2
cont.

A6,A6a.

Continued

UNFAVORABLE CHANGES
50.
Recent or upcoming elections; new administration/President
51.
More defense/military spending or production; worsening
international situation/prospects; acceleration of war/tensions;
more uncertainty about world peace
52.
Less defense/military spending or production; better international
prospects; fewer tensions; disarmament; less uncertainty about
world peace; military bases closed
53.
Specific government spending programs reformed/changed--NA whether
increase or decrease in spending
54.
Specific government spending programs eliminated or decreased
(other than defense) (e.g., employment, foreign aid, space,
welfare); government facilities closed (include programs
"modified" if decreased spending is stated or implied--otherwise
code 53)
55.
Specific government spending programs begun or increased/continued
(other than defense)(e.g., employment, foreign aid, space,
welfare)
56.
Taxes: tax changes/reforms; tax rebates
58.
Fiscal policy general; budgets; deficits; government spending in
general
59.
Government/Congress/Administration/President is not taking steps
to improve business conditions/is taking wrong/harmful actions
(not codeable above)
57.
Other references to government
EMPLOYMENT AND PURCHASING POWER
60.
Closing of plants and factories (general or specific) (if
government facilities, code 54); closing of stores (e.g., Grant's)
61.
Consumer or auto demand is (will be) low; people don't want/need
to buy, aren't buying; people are saving their money; inventories
high; sales down
62.
Lack of purchasing power; people don't have money to spend; low
wages; any kind of personal income low or lower
63.
Drop in employment (except 60); high or higher unemployment;
layoffs; less overtime; short hours; automation
64.
Population increase; immigration
65.
High (higher) debts; lower assets/savings; people/business not
investing; investments down
68.
Production decreasing; production is low; GNP is down
67.
Other references to employment and purchasing power, not codeable
above
69.
Real estate/housing market in decline; slumping housing market
70.
Financial crisis; financial institutions closing/having problems

13
NEWS1
NEWS2
cont.

A6,A6a.

Continued

UNFAVORABLE CHANGES continued
PRICES
71.
Prices are falling/will fall/are too low; deflation
72.
Prices are high, are rising, inflation; wages lag behind prices
73.
Tight money; credit hard to get; interest rates too high, rising
74.
Profits low, falling
75.
Profits high; too high
76.
Stock market references; decline in price of stocks
78.
Balance of payments; foreign competition; world monetary
situation; dollar devaluation; international trade
79.
Controls (price and/or wage)
77.
Other price/credit references
MISCELLANEOUS
80.
Bad race relations; racial unrest; riots, civil disorders; urban
social problems; (more) crime
81.
Excessive wage or other demands by unions; strikes; labor unrest;
labor-management relations bad
82.
Times are (business is) bad now and won't change (much) in next
year
83.
Good times can't last--we are due for a fall
84.
R sees signs of downward trend in business already; (R has heard
or read that) business is bad/worsening
85.
Decline in specific industries; problem in R's line of work (excl.
farming, code 86) or in R's locality
86.
Farm situation is bad; drought; low farm prices
88.
Economy in general less stable/not under control; lack of
confidence on the part of consumers in general
89.
Energy crisis; depletion of natural resources; pollution;
shortages
87.
Other unfavorable or bad factors (include R has heard or read that
business will decline--no specific reason) (hasn't happened yet)
90.
Business/Accounting scandals
97.
98.
99.
00.

BEXP
(112)

A7.

Change mentioned but NA whether favorable or unfavorable
DK
NA; NA what heard; NA whether heard
Has heard of no changes; no second mention; "NO, HAVEN'T HEARD"

And how about a year from now, do you expect that in the country as a
whole business conditions will be better, or worse than they are at
present, or just about the same?
1. BETTER A YEAR FROM NOW
3. ABOUT THE SAME
5. WORSE A YEAR FROM NOW
8. DK
9. NA

14
BUS5
(115)

A8.

Looking ahead, which would you say is more likely -- that in the
country as a whole we'll have continuous good times during the next 5
years or so, or that we will have periods of widespread unemployment
or depression, or what?
01.
(Continuous) good times; boom; prosperity; no recession
02.
Good times, qualified (not bad); pretty good, no unemployment, no
depression
03.
Pro-con; some recession, some unemployment, periods of
unemployment
04.
Bad times, qualified (not good); recession; bad at some times but
not most of the time; periods of widespread unemployment; some
depression; unemployment
05.
Bad times, depression; widespread unemployment
DEPENDS (NOT CODEABLE ON SCALE)
06.
Depends on defense program, aid to allies, international situation
07.
Depends on government economic policies; wage and/or price
controls; tax rebates
10.
Depends on election
11.
Depends on other; depends on urban conditions; labor-management
relations; strikes, labor conditions
98.
DK; can't tell
99.
NA; R speaks only of hopes and wishes; R gives only comparative or
relative answer, "Better," "Same," "Worse"; "more/less
unemployment or inflation"

GOVT
(116)

A9.

As to the economic policy of the government -- I mean steps taken to
fight inflation or unemployment -- would you say the government is
doing a good job, only fair, or a poor job?
1. GOOD JOB
3. ONLY FAIR
5. POOR JOB
8. DK
9. NA

UNEMP
(117)

A10.

How about people out of work during the coming 12 months -- do you
think that there will be more unemployment than now, about the same,
or less?
1. MORE UNEMPLOYMENT
3. ABOUT THE SAME
5. LESS UNEMPLOYMENT
8. DK
9. NA

RATEX
(119)

A11.

No one can say for sure, but what do you think will happen to interest
rates for borrowing money during the next 12 months--will they go up,
stay the same, or go down?
1. GO UP
3. STAY THE SAME
5. GO DOWN
8. DK
9. NA

15
PX1Q1
(126)

A12.

During the next 12 months, do you think that prices in general will go
up, or go down, or stay where they are now?
A12a. Do you mean that prices will go up at the same rate as now, or that
prices in general will not go up during the next 12 months?
1. GO UP
2. GO UP (at same rate)
3. WILL NOT GO UP
5. GO DOWN
8. DK
9. NA

PX1Q2
(127)

A12b. By about what percent do you expect prices to go (up/down) on the
average, during the next 12 months?
A12c. How many cents on the dollar do you expect prices to go (up/down) on the
average, during the next 12 months?
Code either PERCENT or CENTS ROUNDED (01-95)
95.
95 PERCENT/CENTS OR MORE
98.
DK
99.
NA
00.
Inap, 3,8-9 in PX1Q1

P1FORM
(128)

SUMMARY QUESTION A12-A12c
1. PERCENT CODED (FROM A12b)
5. CENTS CODED (FROM A12c)
8. DON'T KNOW IN A12b, A12c OR BOTH AND NO PERCENT OR CENTS GIVEN
9. MISSING ALL DATA TO A12b AND A12c BUT 1, 2 OR 5 CODED IN PX1Q1
0. Inap, 3,8-9 in PX1Q1

PX1

Price expectations for next 12 months recoded
Percents (or Cents) Prices Up/Down (-95 to +95)
-97. DK how much down
96.
DK how much up
98.
DK whether up or down
99.
NA

PX1QU
(139)

By about what percent do you expect prices to go (up/down) on the
average, during the next 12 months?–UNROUNDED
Code UNROUNDED PERCENT (0.1-95)
95.
95 PERCENT OR MORE
98.
DK
99.
NA
.
Inap, 3,8-9 in PX1Q1

PX1UR

Price expectations for next 12 months recoded –-UNROUNDED
Percents (or Cents) Prices Up/Down (-95 to +95)
-97. DK how much down
96.
DK how much up
98.
DK whether up or down
99.
NA
.
Inap, 3,8-9 in PX1Q1

16
PX5Q1
(129)

A13.

What about the outlook for prices over the next 5 to 10 years? Do you
think prices will be higher, about the same, or lower, 5 to 10 years
from now?
A13a. Do you mean that prices will go up at the same rate as now, or that
prices in general will not go up during the next 5 to 10 years?
1. HIGHER
2. GO UP (at same rate)
3. WILL NOT GO UP
5. LOWER
8. DK
9. NA

PX5Q2
(130)

A13b. By about what percent per year do you expect prices to go (up/down) on
the average, during the next 5 to 10 years?
A13c. How many cents on the dollar per year do you expect prices to go
(up/down) on the average, during the next 5 to 10 years?
Code either PERCENT or CENTS ROUNDED (01-95)
95.
95 PERCENT/CENTS OR MORE
98.
DK
99.
NA
00.
Inap, 3,8-9 in PX5Q1

P5FORM
(131)

SUMMARY QUESTION A13-A13c
1. PERCENT CODED (FROM A13b)
5. CENTS CODED (FROM A13c)
8. DON'T KNOW IN A13b, A13c OR BOTH, AND NO PERCENT OR CENTS GIVEN
9. MISSING ALL DATA TO A13b AND A13c BUT 1, 2 OR 5 CODED IN PX5Q1
0. Inap, 3,8-9 in PX5Q1

PX5

Price expectations for next 5 years recoded
Percents (or Cents) Prices Up/Down (-95 to +95)
-97. DK how much down
96.
DK how much up
98.
DK whether up or down
99.
NA

PX5QU

By about what percent per year do you expect prices to go (up/down) on
the average, during the next 5 to 10 years? –-UNROUNDED
Code UNROUNDED PERCENT (0.1-95)
95.
95 PERCENT OR MORE
98.
DK
99.
NA
.
Inap, 3,8-9 in PX5Q1

PX5UR

Price expectations for next 5 years recoded –-UNROUNDED
Percents (or Cents) Prices Up/Down (-95 to +95)
-97. DK how much down
96.
DK how much up
98.
DK whether up or down
99.
NA
.
Inap, 3,8-9 in PX5Q1

17

RINC
(133)

A14.

During the next year or two, do you expect that your (family) income
will go up more than prices will go up, about the same, or less than
prices will go up?
1. INCOME UP MORE THAN PRICES
3. INCOME UP SAME AS PRICES
5. INCOME UP LESS THAN PRICES
8. DK
9. NA

INEXQ1
(134)

A15.

During the next 12 months, do you expect your (family) income to be
higher or lower than during the past year?
1. HIGHER
3. ABOUT THE SAME
5. LOWER
8. DK
9. NA

INEXQ2UR
(135UR)

INEXQ2
(135)

INEX

A15a. By about what percent do you expect your (family) income to
(increase/decrease) during the next 12 months?
Code UNROUNDED PERCENT (0.1-95)
95.
95% or more
98.
DK
99.
NA
00.
Inap, 3,8-9 in INEXQ1
Income expectations rounded
Code ROUNDED PERCENT (1-95)
95.
95% or more
98.
DK
99.
NA
00.
Inap, 3,8-9 in INEXQ1
Income expectations recoded
Percent Income Up/Down (-95 to +95)
-97. DK how much down
96.
DK how much up
98.
DK whether up or down
99.
NA

18

BLANK PAGE

19
Surveys of Consumers: December 2019
SECTION A: Economic Attitudes (A16-A27)
VAR #
HOM
(201)

A16.

Generally speaking, do you think now is a good time or a bad time to
buy a house?
1. GOOD
3. PRO-CON
5. BAD
8. DK
9. NA

HOMRN1 A16a. Why do you say so? (Are there any other reasons?)
HOMRN2
(202/3)
REASONS WHY NOW IS A GOOD TIME TO BUY A HOUSE
PRICES; CREDIT
10.
Interest rate won't get any lower (not codeable elsewhere)
11.
Prices are low/lower/reasonable/stable/not too high
12.
Good buys available; buyer's market (oversupply of houses);
difficult for sellers to find buyers; hard for other buyers to get
credit
13.
Prices are going up; buy before prices are higher; future
uncertainty about prices
14.
Prices won't get any lower (not codeable 13)
15.
Lower down payment
16.
Interest rates are low (now)
17.
Credit easy to get; easy money, NA if 15, 16, 17, or 18
18.
Credit will be tighter later; interest rates will go up
19.
Lower taxes; taxes will be higher later
EMPLOYMENT; TIMES
21.
People can afford to buy now, purchasing power available; high
employment; prosperity; people have money to spend; times are good
23.
Buying makes for good times/prosperity/high employment
27.
Other references to employment and purchasing power
SUPPLY AND QUALITY
31.
Supply adequate, no shortages now; there may be shortages later;
many houses on market (no reference to influence on prices, deals)
32.
Quality is good, better, may get worse
33.
New models have improvements/new features; new models are
attractive
34.
Good selection; variety
OTHER GOOD REASONS
41.
Seasonal references only
42.
R only says: If you need it and have the money this is as good a
time as any; if people need things, they will buy regardless of
the times

20
HOMRN1
HOMRN2
cont.

A16a. Continued
43.
44.
45.
46.

48.
49.
47.

Low sales won't last; will pick up soon
Renting is unfavorable because of high rents, apartment shortage,
etc., specific answer
Owning is always a good idea (because of investment or sentimental
reasons); renting is (always) a bad idea
Capital appreciation: buying a home is a good investment these
days (because the value of houses will increase); reference to
special or temporary circumstances which make houses a good
investment (code 45 reasons which imply that house ownership is
always a good investment)
Variable mortgage rate
Economic policy; references to government/new president
Other good reasons (miscellaneous)

REASONS WHY NOW IS A BAD TIME TO BUY A HOUSE
PRICES; CREDIT
50.
Interest rates won't get any lower (not codeable elsewhere)
51.
Prices are (too) high; prices going up; houses cost more than
they're worth; prices won't get any lower
52.
Seller's market, few sales or discounts, hard to get good deal,
prices up more than costs
53.
Prices will fall later; will come down, are falling; will not
rise; future uncertainty about prices
54.
Debt or credit bad (NA why)
55.
Higher/Larger down payment required
56.
Interest rate too high; will go up
57.
Credit hard to get; financing is difficult; point system; tight
money, NA if 55, 56, 57 or 58
58.
Interest rates will come down later; credit will be easier later
59.
Tax increase; (property) taxes too high; going higher
EMPLOYMENT; TIMES
61.
People can't afford to buy now (unemployment; times are bad; don't
have money to spend; people are too far in debt); recession;
inflation (no mention of house prices)
62.
People should save money; uncertainty of future; bad times ahead;
employment too uncertain
63.
Buying contributes to inflation/makes for bad times
65.
Energy crisis; shortages of fuels; high price of utilities;
SUPPLY AND QUALITY
71.
Supply inadequate; few houses on market; poor selection; lack of
variety (no reference to prices or deals)
72.
Quality is poor; quality may be better later
73.
Poor designs; unattractive styling; new features or improvements
will come later
OTHER
81.
82.
83.

BAD REASONS
R mentions only seasonal factors
Difficult to get rid of present house
Better return on alternative investments

21
HOMRN1
HOMRN2
cont.

A16a. Continued
84.

87.
88.
89.

Renting favorable because of low rents or apartment surplus
(specific)
Renting is always better than owning
Capital depreciation: buying a house now is a bad investment
(because the value of homes will decrease); references to special
or temporary circumstances which make houses a bad investment
(code 85 responses that imply that home ownership is always a bad
investment)
Other reasons why now is a bad time to buy
Variable mortgage rate
Economic policy; references to government/new president

98.
99.
.
00.

DK
NA
Inap, 8-9 in HOM
No second mention

85.
86.

SHOM
(204)

A17.

What about selling a house -- generally speaking, do you think now is a
good time or a bad time to sell a house?
1. GOOD
3. PRO-CON
5. BAD
8. DK
9. NA

SHOMRN1 A17a. Why do you say so? (Are there any other reasons?)
SHOMRN2
(205/6)
REASONS WHY NOW IS A GOOD TIME TO SELL A HOUSE
PRICES; CREDIT
10.
Interest rate won't get any lower (not codeable elsewhere)
11.
Prices are high/higher/won't get any lower
12.
Seller's market (under-supply of houses)
13.
Prices are going down; sell before prices are lower; future
uncertainty about prices
14.
Prices won't get any higher (not codeable 13)
15.
Lower down payment
16.
Interest rates are low (now)
17.
Credit easy to get; easy money, NA if 15, 16, 17, or 18
18.
Credit will be tighter later; interest rates will go up
19.
Lower taxes; taxes will be higher later
EMPLOYMENT; TIMES
21.
People can afford to buy now, purchasing power available; high
employment; prosperity; people have money to spend; times are good
23.
Buying makes for good times/prosperity/high employment
SUPPLY AND QUALITY
31.
Supply inadequate, shortages now; there may be shortages later;
few houses on market (no reference to influence on prices, deals)
33.
Good time for existing homes because costs more to build new ones

22
SHOMRN1 A17a. Continued
SHOMRN2
cont.
OTHER GOOD REASONS
41.
Seasonal references only
42.
R only says: If you need to sell and need the money this is as
good a time as any; if people need things, they will sell
regardless of the times
44.
Can use cash/capital for other investments
45.
Better to sell now, value of home may decline
46.
Capital appreciation: value of houses has increased; good profits
now
47.
Other good reasons (miscellaneous)
48.
Variable mortgage rate
49.
Economic policy; references to government/new president
REASONS WHY NOW IS A BAD TIME TO SELL A HOUSE
PRICES; CREDIT
50.
Interest rates won't get any lower (not codeable elsewhere)
51.
Prices are low/lower
52.
Buyer's market (oversupply of houses); difficult for sellers to
find buyers; hard for other buyers to get credit
53.
Prices will rise later; future uncertainty about prices
54.
Interest rates low/lower
55.
Higher/Larger down payment required
56.
Interest rate too high; will go up
57.
Credit hard to get; financing is difficult; point system; tight
money, NA if 55, 56, 57 or 58
58.
Interest rates will come down later; credit will be easier later
59.
Tax increase; (property) taxes too high; going higher
EMPLOYMENT; TIMES
61.
People can't afford to buy now (unemployment; times are bad; don't
have money to spend; people are too far in debt); recession;
inflation (no mention of house prices)
62.
People should save money; uncertainty of future; bad times ahead;
employment too uncertain
63.
Buying contributes to inflation/makes for bad times
65.
Energy crisis; shortages of fuels; high price of utilities;
SUPPLY AND QUALITY
71.
Supply adequate; many houses on market (no reference to influence
on prices/deals)
73.
Bad time for older homes because people want/like newer homes/more
recent home designs/better features
OTHER
81.
84.
85.
86.
87.

BAD REASONS
R mentions only seasonal factors
Home is good\better investment
Rents are too high
Capital depreciation: would lose money if sold now
Other reasons why now is a bad time to sell

23
SHOMRN1 A17a. Continued
SHOMRN2
cont.
88.
Variable mortgage rate
89.
Economic policy; references to government/new president
98.
99.
.
00.
DUR
(207)

A18.

DK
NA
Inap, 8-9 in SHOM
No second mention

About the big things people buy for their homes -- such as furniture, a
refrigerator, stove, television, and things like that. Generally
speaking, do you think now is a good or a bad time for people to buy
major household items?
1. GOOD
3. PRO-CON
5. BAD
8. DK
9. NA

DURRN1 A18a. Why do you say so? (Are there any other reasons?)
DURRN2
(208/9)
REASONS WHY NOW IS A GOOD TIME TO BUY MAJOR HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
PRICES; CREDIT
10.
Interest rates won't get any lower (not codeable elsewhere)
11.
Prices are low(er); prices are reasonably stable/not too high
12.
Good buys available; sales, discounts; discount houses, buyer's
market (oversupply of goods); high inventories; demand/sales rate
low
13.
Prices are going up; buy before prices are higher; future
uncertainty about prices
14.
Prices won't get any lower (not codeable 13)
15.
Lower down payment
16.
Interest rates low
17.
Credit easy to get; easy money, NA if 15, 16, 17, or 18
18.
Interest rates going up; credit getting tighter
19.
Low taxes; tax changes
EMPLOYMENT; TIMES
21.
People can afford to buy now; purchasing power available; high
employment; prosperity; people have money to spend; times are
good, better
23.
Buying makes for good times/prosperity/high employment
SUPPLY AND QUALITY
31.
Supply adequate; no shortages now; there may be shortages later
(no reference to price, deals)
32.
Quality is good/better/may get worse
33.
New models have improvements/new features/are attractive
34.
Good selection, variety
OTHER GOOD REASONS
41.
Seasonal references only

24
DURRN1
DURRN2
cont.

A18a. Continued
42.
43.
47.
49.

R only says that if you need it and/or have the money, this is as
good a time as any; if people need things they will buy them
regardless of the times
Low sales won't last; will pick up soon
Other good reasons
Economic policy; references to government/new president

REASONS WHY NOW IS A BAD TIME TO BUY MAJOR HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
PRICES; CREDIT
50.
Interest rates won't get any lower (not codeable elsewhere)
51.
Prices are (too) high: prices going up; items cost more than
they're worth; prices won't get any lower
52.
Seller's market; few sales or discounts; hard to get good deal;
prices up more than costs
53.
Prices will fall later, will come down, are falling, will not
rise; future uncertainty about prices
54.
Debt or credit is bad (NA why)
55.
Larger/Higher down payment required
56.
Interest rates high/going up
57.
Credit/Financing hard to get; tight money (NA whether 55, 56, 57,
or 58)
58.
Interest rates will fall later, credit will be easier later
59.
Taxes high, going higher
EMPLOYMENT; TIMES
61.
People can't afford to buy now; low levels of employment; times
are bad; don't have money to spend; recession; inflation (no
mention of prices of household items)
62.
People should save money; uncertainty of future, bad times ahead,
employment too uncertain
63.
Buying contributes to inflation, makes for bad times
65.
Energy crisis; shortages of fuels
SUPPLY AND QUALITY
71.
Supply inadequate; poor selection (no reference to prices or
deals)
72.
Quality is poor; quality may be better later
73.
Poor designs; unattractive styling; new features or improvements
will come later
OTHER
81.
82.
87.
89.

BAD REASONS
R mentions only seasonal factors
International references
Other reasons why now is a bad time to buy
Economic policy; references to government/new president

98.
99.
.
00.

DK
NA
Inap, 8-9 in DUR
No second mention

25
CAR
(210)

A19.

Speaking now of the automobile market – do you think the next 12 months
or so will be a good time or a bad time to buy a new vehicle, such as a
car, pickup, van, or sport utility vehicle?
1. GOOD
3. PRO-CON
5. BAD
8. DK
9. NA

CARRN1 A19a. Why do you say so? (Are there any other reasons?)
CARRN2
(211/2)
REASONS WHY NEXT 12 MONTHS IS A GOOD TIME TO BUY A CAR
PRICES; CREDIT
10.
Interest rates won't get any lower (not codeable elsewhere)
11.
Prices are low, lower; prices are reasonable/stable/not too high
("small economy cars available," code 35)
12.
Good buys available; sales, discounts; high trade-in allowances;
buyer's market (oversupply), inventories high; demand, sales rate
low
13.
Prices are going up; buy before prices are higher; future
uncertainty about prices
14.
Prices won't get any lower (not codeable 13)
15.
Lower down payment
16.
Interest rates low
17.
Credit easy to get; easy money, NA if 15, 16, 17, or 18
18.
Interest rates are going higher; credit will be tighter later
19.
Taxes low; will be higher (include excise tax)
20.
Rebate/Bonus program
EMPLOYMENT; TIMES
21.
People can afford to buy now; purchasing power available;
existence of high employment; prosperity; have money to spend;
times are good
23.
Buying makes for good times/prosperity/high employment
25.
Energy crisis lessened; availability of gas; price of gas; gasohol
mentions (except 30)
SUPPLY AND QUALITY
30.
New cars get better mileage; better mileage due to gasahol
31.
Supply adequate; no shortages now (no references to prices, deals,
high inventories)
32.
Quality is good/better/may get worse
33.
New models have improvements; new features; are attractive
34.
Great variety of models and sizes to choose from; good selection
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.

(New) Small (economy) cars
Safety; new models are safer
Safety devices will be on and that's bad; buy before they are on
Anti-pollution devices (are or will be on and that's good); add
less pollution due to gasahol
Anti-pollution devices will be on and that's bad; buy before they
are on

26
CARRN1
CARRN2
cont.

A19a. Continued
44.
45.
46.

NA whether 36 or 38, or both
NA whether 37 or 39, or both
New models are little changed from old models

OTHER GOOD REASONS
40.
Strikes ended: labor situation (problems) resolved, union demands
met or dropped
41.
Seasonal reference only
42.
R only says that if you need it and have the money, this is as
good a time as any; if people need things they will buy them
regardless of the times
43.
Low sales won't last, will pick up soon
49.
Economic policy; references to government/new president
47.
Other good reasons (miscellaneous)
REASONS WHY NEXT 12 MONTHS IS A BAD TIME TO BUY A CAR
PRICES; CREDIT
50.
Interest rates won't get any lower
51.
Prices are (too) high; prices going up; cars cost more than
they're worth; prices won't get any lower
52.
Seller's market; few sales or discounts; companies making
excessive profits; prices up more than costs
53.
Prices will fall later; are falling; will not rise; future
uncertainty about prices
54.
Debt or credit is bad (NA why)
55.
Larger/Higher down payment required
56.
Interest rates are high; will go up
57.
Credit hard to get; tight money, NA if 55, 56, 57, or 58
58.
Interest rates will fall later; credit will be easier later
59.
Taxes high; going higher
60.
Because rebate/bonus program will be over
EMPLOYMENT; TIMES
61.
People can't afford to buy now (unemployment; times are bad; don't
have money to spend; people have too much debt); recession;
inflation (no mention of car prices)
62.
People should save money; uncertainty of future; bad times ahead;
employment too uncertain
63.
Buying contributes to inflation, makes for bad times
65.
Energy crisis; gas shortage; price of gas; gasahol mentions
(except 67 or 70)
67.
Environmental/Ecology reasons; pollution, congestion; should be
fewer cars/more public transportation; more pollution due to
gasahol

27
CARRN1
CARRN2
cont.

A19a. Continued
SUPPLY AND QUALITY
70.
Poor mileage (include poor mileage due to gasahol)
71.
Supply inadequate; few cars on market; poor selection; what I want
is not available (no reference to prices or deals)
72.
Quality is poor; quality may be better later
73.
Poor designs; unattractive styling; new features or improvements
will come later (style) (except safety or pollution features)
74.
New types of cars will be introduced soon (safer cars should be
coded 76)
75.
New smaller cars
76.
Safety; later models will be safer or crash resistant
77.
Too many safety items (unneeded, expensive, etc.)
78.
Later models will pollute less; pollution devices will be better
later
79.
Anti-pollution devices (are or will be on and that's bad); new
types of gasoline; catalytic converters
84.
85.
86.

NA whether 76, or 78, or both
NA whether 77, or 79, or both
Poor performance, not clear whether due to poor quality in general
or due to pollution/safety equipment

OTHER
80.
81.
82.
83.
87.

BAD REASONS
Strikes; labor situation (problems), union demands
R mentions only seasonal factors
Imported car market; international references
High sales can't last, change is due; saturation
Other reasons why now is a bad time to buy; gasahol is bad for car
engine
Cost of insurance
Economic policy; references to government/new president

88.
89.
91.
92.
93.
94.
95.

Good time for new car, bad time for used cars
Good time for used cars, bad time for new cars
Depends on whether new or used; other combinations, or NA which
good and which bad
Good time for small cars, bad for big cars
Good time for big cars, bad for small cars

96.
90.

Good for domestic cars, bad for imported cars
Good for imported cars, bad for domestic cars

98.
99.
.
00.

DK
NA
Inap, 8-9 in CAR
No second mention

28
GASPX1

A20.

GASPX2

A20a. About how many cents per gallon do you think gasoline prices will
(increase/decrease) during the next five years compared to now?
Code CENTS PER GALLON (001-995)
998. DK
999. NA
.
Inap, 3,8-9 in GASPX1

GAS5

Do you think that the price of gasoline will go up during the next five
years, will gasoline prices go down, or will they stay about the same as
they are now?
1. Go up
3. Stay the same
5. Go down
8. DK
9. NA

Gas price expectations for next five years recoded
Cents per gallon Up/Down (-995 to +995)
-997. DK how much down
996. DK how much up
998. DK whether up or down
999. NA

GAS1PX1 A20b. Now thinking only about the next twelve months, do you think that the
price of gasoline will go up during the next twelve months, will
gasoline prices go down, or will they stay about the same as they are
now?
1. Go up
3. Stay the same
5. Go down
8. DK
9. NA
GAS1PX2 A20c. About how many cents per gallon do you think gasoline prices will
(increase/decrease) during the next twelve months compared to now?
Code CENTS PER GALLON (001-995)
998. DK
999. NA
.
Inap, 3,8-9 in GAS1PX1
GAS1

Gas price expectations for next 12 months recoded
Cents per gallon Up/Down (-995 to +995)
-997. DK how much down
996. DK how much up
998. DK whether up or down
999. NA

29
QINCOPEN
(216)

A21.

To get a picture of people's financial situation we need to know the
general range of income of all people we interview. Now, thinking
about (your/your family's) total income from all sources (including
your job), how much did (you/your family) receive in 2018?
Code DOLLARS ($1-$999,995)
999 995. $999,995 or more
999 998. DK
999 999. NA

QINCBKT
(217)

A22.

Did (you/your family) receive $75,000 or more in 2018?
a.
Was it $150,000 or above?
b.
Was it $175,000 or above?
c.
Was it $200,000 or above?
d.
Was it $225,000 or above?
e.
Was it $250,000 or above?
f.
Was it $125,000 or above?
g.
Was it $100,000 or above?
h.
Was it $ 35,000 or above?
i.
Was it $ 40,000 or above?
j.
Was it $ 45,000 or above?
k.
Was it $ 50,000 or above?
l.
Was it $ 60,000 or above?
m.
Was it $ 30,000 or above?
n.
Was it $ 25,000 or above?
o.
Was it $ 20,000 or above?
p.
Was it $ 15,000 or above?
q.
Was it $ 10,000 or above?
01.
$
1- 9,999
No to q
02.
$ 10,000- 14,999
Yes to q
03.
$ 15,000- 19,999
Yes to p
04.
$ 20,000- 24,999
Yes to o
05.
$ 25,000- 29,999
Yes to n
06.
$ 30,000- 34,999
Yes to m
07.
$ 35,000- 39,999
No to i
08.
$ 40,000- 44,999
No to j
09.
$ 45,000- 49,999
No to k
10.
$ 50,000- 59,999
No to l
11.
$ 60,000- 74,999
Yes to l
12.
$ 75,000- 99,999
No to g
13.
$100,000-124,999
Yes to g
14.
$125,000-149,999
Yes to f
15.
$150,000-174,999
No to b
16.
$175,000-199,999
No to c
17.
$200,000-224,999
No to d
18.
$225,000-249,999
No to e
19.
$250,000 or more
Yes to e
25.
26.

Less than $75,000
$75,000 or more

NO to A22, NA how much
YES to A22, NA how much

99.
00.

NA, DK
Inap, 000,001 - 999,995; dollar amount given in QINCOPEN

30
QINCSUM
(218)

FAMILY INCOME SUMMARY
01.
Under $10,000
02.
$ 10,000- 14,999
03.
$ 15,000- 19,999
04.
$ 20,000- 24,999
05.
$ 25,000- 29,999
06.
$ 30,000- 34,999
07.
$ 35,000- 39,999
08.
$ 40,000- 44,999
09.
$ 45,000- 49,999
10.
$ 50,000- 59,999
11.
$ 60,000- 74,999
12.
$ 75,000- 99,999
13.
$100,000- 124,999
14.
$125,000- 149,999
15.
$150,000- 174,999
16.
$175,000- 199,999
17.
$200,000- 224,999
18.
$225,000- 249,999
19.
$250,000 or more
25.
26.

Below $75,000
Above $75,000

99.

DK; NA

INCOME

Household Income recoded
Code Dollars ($1-$999,995)
999 995. $999,995 or more
.
Inap, DK/NA

INCQFM

Income Question/Answer Format
1. Asked open question, answered open format
2. Asked open question, answered bracketed format: assigned midpoint of
bracket
3. Asked bracketed question, answered bracketed format: assigned midpoint
of bracket

YTL50

Income Percentiles (Above/below Median)
1. Bottom 50 Percent
5. Top 50 Percent
. DK/NA

YTL3

Income Percentiles (Terciles)
1. Bottom 33 Percent
2. Middle 33 Percent
3. Top 33 Percent
. DK/NA

YTL4

Income Percentiles (Quartiles)
1. Bottom 25 Percent
2. 25-50 Percent
3. 50-75 Percent
4. Top 25 Percent
. DK/NA

31
YTL5

Income Percentiles (Quintiles)
1. Bottom 20 Percent
2. 20-40 Percent
3. 40-60 Percent
4. 60-80 Percent
5. Top 20 Percent
. DK/NA

YTL10

Income Percentiles (Bottom 10 Percent)
1. Bottom 10 Percent
5. Top 90 Percent
. DK/NA

YTL90

Income Percentiles (Top 10 Percent)
1. Top 10 Percent
5. Bottom 90 Percent
. DK/NA

*NOTE: THE YTL VARIABLES WITH “X” AT THE END INCLUDE DATA FROM SURVEYS WITH BRACKETED
INCOME QUESTION.
HOMEOWN A26.
(223)

Do you (and your family living there) own your own home, pay rent, or
what?
01.
Owns or is buying
02.
Rent
03.
Housing is part of pay; minister, church owns home
04.
Public housing--no rent; gov’t. pays rent
05.
Owned by relative who does not live with R
06.
Staying temporarily in other person’s home
98.
DK
99.
NA

HOMEVAL A27.
(224)

Do you think the current value of your home--I mean, what it would bring
if you sold it today--has increased compared with a year ago, has
decreased compared with a year ago, or has it remained about the same?
1. Increased in value
3. Same
5. Deceased in value
8. DK
9. NA
. Inap, 2-6,98-99 in HOMEOWN

32

BLANK PAGE

33
Surveys of Consumers: December 2019
SECTION A: Home Price Expectations (A27a-A27i)
VAR #
HOMEMKT A27a. What is the current market value of your home? (If you sold it today,
(229)
how much would it bring in?)
CODE DOLLAR AMOUNT ($1-$9,999,995)
9 999 998. DK
9 999 999. NA
. Inap, 2-6,98-99 in HOMEOWN
HOM200K A27b. Would the current market value of your home be $200,000 or more?
1. Yes
5. No
8. DK
9. NA
. Inap, 2-6,98-99 in HOMEOWN; 1-9 999 995, 9 999 999 in HOMEMKT
HOM250K A27c1.Is
1.
5.
8.
9.
.

it $250,000 or more?
Yes
No
DK
NA
Inap, 2-6,98-99 in HOMEOWN; 1-9 999 995, 9 999 999 in HOMEMKT; 5,8-9
in HOM200K

HOM300K A27c2.Is
1.
5.
8.
9.
.

it $300,000 or more?
Yes
No
DK
NA
Inap, 2-6,98-99 in HOMEOWN; 1-9 999 995, 9 999 999 in HOMEMKT; 5,8-9
in HOM200K; 5,8-9 in HOM250K

HOM500K A27c3.Is
1.
5.
8.
9.
.

it $500,000 or more?
Yes
No
DK
NA
Inap, 2-6,98-99 in HOMEOWN; 1-9 999 995, 9 999 999 in HOMEMKT; 5,8-9
in HOM200K; 5,8-9 in HOM250K; 5,8-9 in HOM300K

HOM750K A27c4.Is
1.
5.
8.
9.
.

it $750,000 or more?
Yes
No
DK
NA
Inap, 2-6,98-99 in HOMEOWN; 1-9 999 995, 9 999 999 in HOMEMKT; 5,8-9
in HOM200K; 5,8-9 in HOM250K; 5,8-9 in HOM300K; 5,8-9 in HOM500K

34
HOM1MIL A27c5.Is
1.
5.
8.
9.
.

it one million dollars or more?
Yes
No
DK
NA
Inap, 2-6,98-99 in HOMEOWN; 1-9 999 995, 9 999 999 in HOMEMKT; 5,8-9
in HOM200K; 5,8-9 in HOM250K; 5,8-9 in HOM300K; 5,8-9 in HOM500K;
5,8-9 in HOM750K

HOM100K A27d1.Is
1.
5.
8.
9.
.

it $100,000 or more?
Yes
No
DK
NA
Inap, 2-6,98-99 in HOMEOWN; 1-9 999 995, 9 999 999 in HOMEMKT; 1,8-9
in HOM200K

HOM50K

it $50,000 or more?
Yes
No
DK
NA
Inap, 2-6,98-99 in HOMEOWN; 1-9 999 995, 9 999 999 in HOMEMKT; 1,8-9
in HOM200K; 1,8-9 in HOM100K

HOMEBKT

A27d2.Is
1.
5.
8.
9.
.

What is the current market value of your home?
b. Would the total be $200,000 or more?
c1.
Is it $ 250,000 or more?
c2.
Is it $ 300,000 or more?
c3.
Is it $ 500,000 or more?
c4.
Is it $ 750,000 or more?
c5.
Is it $1,000,000 or more?
d1.
Is it $ 100,000 or more?
d2.
Is it $ 50,000 or more?
01.
$
0001 - 49,999 No to d2
02.
$ 50,000 - 99,999 Yes to d2
03.
$ 100,000 - 199,999 Yes to d1
04.
$ 200,000 - 249,999 No to c1
05.
$ 250,000 - 299,999 No to c2
06.
$ 300,000 - 499,999 No to c3
07.
$ 500,000 - 749,999 No to c4
08.
$ 750,000 - 999,999 No to c5
09.
$1,000,000 or more Yes to c5
99.
00.
.

NA, DK
Inap, 1 - 99 999 995, dollar amount given in HOMEMKT
Inap, 2-6,98-99 in HOMEOWN

35
HOMESUM

HOME AMOUNT SUMMARY
01.
Under $50,000
02.
$ 50,000 - 99,999
03.
$ 100,000 - 199,999
04.
$ 200,000 - 249,999
05.
$ 250,000 - 299,999
06.
$ 300,000 - 499,999
07.
$ 500,000 - 749,999
08.
$ 750,000 - 999,999
09.
$1,000,000 or more
99.
.

NA, DK
Inap, 2-6,98-99 in HOMEOWN

HOMEAMT

Home Market Value Recoded
Code Dollars ($1-$9,999,995)
9 999 995. $9,999,995 or more
. Inap, DK/NA
. Inap, 2-6,98-99 in HOMEOWN

HOMEQFM

Home Market Value Question/Answer Format
1. Asked open question, answered open format
2. Asked open question, answered bracketed format: assigned midpoint of
bracket
3. Asked bracketed question, answered bracketed format: assigned
midpoint of bracket
. Inap, 2-6,98-99 in HOMEOWN

HTL50

Home Value Percentiles (Above/below Median)
1. Bottom 50 Percent
5. Top 50 Percent
. DK/NA
. Inap, 2-6,98-99 in HOMEOWN

HTL3

Home Value Percentiles (Terciles)
1. Bottom 33 Percent
2. Middle 33 Percent
3. Top 33 Percent
. DK/NA
. Inap, 2-6,98-99 in HOMEOWN

HTL4

Home Value Percentiles (Quartiles)
1. Bottom 25 Percent
2. 25-50 Percent
3. 50-75 Percent
4. Top 25 Percent
. DK/NA
. Inap, 2-6,98-99 in HOMEOWN

36
HTL5

Home Value Percentiles (Quintiles)
1. Bottom 20 Percent
2. 20-40 Percent
3. 40-60 Percent
4. 60-80 Percent
5. Top 20 Percent
. DK/NA
. Inap, 2-6,98-99 in HOMEOWN

HTL10

Home Value Percentiles (Bottom 10 Percent)
1. Bottom 10 Percent
5. Top 90 Percent
. DK/NA
. Inap, 2-6,98-99 in HOMEOWN

HTL90

Home Value Percentiles (Top 10 Percent)
1. Top 10 Percent
5. Bottom 90 Percent
. DK/NA
. Inap, 2-6,98-99 in HOMEOWN

HOMPX1Q1
(242)

A27e. What do you think will happen to the prices of homes (like yours) in
your community over the next 12 months? Will they increase at a rapid
rate, increase at a moderate rate, remain about the same, decrease at
a moderate rate, or decrease at a rapid rate?
1. Increase at a rapid rate
2. Increase at a moderate rate
3. About the same
4. Decrease at a moderate rate
5. Decrease at a rapid rate
8. DK
9. NA

243

A27f. INTERVIEW CHECKPOINT:
1. Homeowners (A26=1) and home prices will increase or decrease in
next 12 months (A27e=1,2,4,5) –-> GO TO A27g
2. Homeowners (A26=1) and home prices will remain same (A27e=3)
-–> GO TO A27h
3. Non-homeowners –-> GO TO A28

HOMPX1Q2
(244)

A27g. By about what percent do you expect prices of homes like yours in
your community to go (up/down), on average, over the next 12 months?
CODE PERCENT (1-100), EXCEPT:
998. DK
999. NA
.
Inap, 2-3 in 243

HOMPX1

Home price expectations for next 12 months recoded
Percent Prices Up/Down (-100 to +100)
-997. DK how much down
996. DK how much up
998. DK whether up or down
999. NA
.
Inap, 3 in 243 (non-homeowners)

37
HOMPX5Q1
(245)

A27h. What about the outlook for prices of homes like yours in your
community over the next 5 years or so? Do you expect them to
increase, remain about the same, or decrease?
1. Increase
3. Remain about the same
5. Decrease
8. DK
9. NA
. Inap, 3 in 243

HOMPX5Q2
(246)

A27i. By about what percent per year do you expect prices of homes like
yours in your community to go (up/down), on average, over the next 5
years or so?
CODE PERCENT (1-100), EXCEPT:
998. DK
999. NA
.
Inap, 3 in 243; 3,8-9 in HOMPX5Q1

HOMPX5

Home price expectations for next 5 years recoded
Percent Prices Up/Down (-100 to +100)
-997. DK how much down
996. DK how much up
998. DK whether up or down
999. NA
.
Inap, 3 in 243 (non-homeowners)

38

BLANK PAGE

39
Surveys of Consumers: December 2019
SECTION A: Percent Chance (A28-A29a)
VAR #
A28.

The next few questions ask about your views of the chances that various
events will happen. Your answers can range from zero to one hundred, where
zero means there is absolutely no chance, and one hundred means that it is
absolutely certain. For example, when weather forecasters report the
chance of rain, a number like 20 percent means “a small chance” of rain, a
number around 50 percent means “a pretty even chance,” and a number like 80
percent means “a very good chance.”

PINC A28a. What do you think the chances are that your (family) income will increase
(225)
by more than the rate of inflation in the next five years or so?
Code PERCENT (1-100), except:
996. Zero percent
998. DK
999. NA
PJOB A28b. During the next 5 years, what do you think the chances are that you (or
(226)
your husband/wife/partner) will lose a job you wanted to keep?
Code PERCENT (1-100), except:
996. Zero percent
998. DK
999. NA
PSSA A28c. What do you think the chances are that [IF R UNDER AGE 65] (when you
(227)
retire,) your income from Social Security and job pensions will be adequate
to maintain your living standards?
Code PERCENT (1-100), except:
996. Zero percent
998. DK
999. NA
PCRY A28d. Compared with 5 years ago, do you think the chances that you (and your
(228)
husband/wife/partner) will have a comfortable retirement have gone up, gone
down, or remained the same?
1. GONE UP
3. SAME
5. GONE DOWN
8. DK
9. NA

40

PSTK
(250)

A29.

The next question is about investing in the stock market. Please think
about the type of mutual fund known as a diversified stock fund. This
type of mutual fund holds stock in many different companies engaged in a
wide variety of business activities. Suppose that tomorrow someone were
to invest one thousand dollars in such a mutual fund. Please think
about how much money this investment would be worth one year from now.
What do you think is the percent chance that this one thousand dollar
investment will increase in value in the year ahead, so that it is worth
more than one thousand dollars one year from now?
Code PERCENT (0-100)
998. DK
999. NA

PINC2
(252)

A29a. Next I would like to ask you about your OWN (personal) income prospects
in the next twelve months. What do you think is the percent chance that
your income in the next twelve months will be higher than your income in
the past twelve months?
Code PERCENT (0-100)
996. Volunteered “No personal income”
998. DK
999. NA

42
Surveys of Consumers: December 2019
SECTION AA: Financial Investments (AA1-AA2h)
VAR #
INVEST
(550)

AA1.

INVOPEN AA2.
(551)

The next questions are about investments in the stock market. First, do
you (or any member of your family living there) have any investments in
the stock market, including any publicly traded stock that is directly
owned, stocks in mutual funds, stocks in any of your retirement
accounts, including 401(K)s, IRAs, or Keogh accounts?
1. Yes
5. No
8. DK
9. NA
Considering all of your (family’s) investments in the stock market,
overall about how much would your investments be worth today? (PROBE:
What is your best estimate?)
Code DOLLARS ($1-$99,999,995)
99 999 998. DK
99 999 999. NA
.
Inap, 5,8-9 in INVEST

INV100K AA2a. Would the total be $100,000 or more?
(554)
1. Yes
5. No
8. DK
9. NA
. Inap, 5,8-9 in INVEST; 1-99 999 995, 99 999 999 in INVOPEN
INV200K AA2b. Is
1.
5.
8.
9.
.

it $200,000 or more?
Yes
No
DK
NA
Inap, 5,8-9 in INVEST; 1-99 999 995, 99 999 999 in INVOPEN; 5,8-9 in
INV100K

INV300K AA2c. Is
1.
5.
8.
9.
.

it $300,000 or more?
Yes
No
DK
NA
Inap, 5,8-9 in INVEST; 1-99 999 995, 99 999 999 in INVOPEN; 5,8-9 in
INV100K; 5,8-9 in INV200K

43
INV500K AA2d. Is
1.
5.
8.
9.
.

it $500,000 or more?
Yes
No
DK
NA
Inap, 5,8-9 in INVEST; 1-99 999 995, 99 999 999 in INVOPEN; 5,8-9 in
INV100K; 5,8-9 in INV200K; 5,8-9 in INV300K

INV750K AA2d1.Is
1.
5.
8.
9.
.

it $750,000 or more?
Yes
No
DK
NA
Inap, 5,8-9 in INVEST; 1-99 999 995, 99 999 999 in INVOPEN; 5,8-9 in
INV100K; 5,8-9 in INV200K; 5,8-9 in INV300K; 5,8-9 in INV500K

INV1MIL AA2d2.Is
1.
5.
8.
9.
.

it one million dollars or more?
Yes
No
DK
NA
Inap, 5,8-9 in INVEST; 1-99 999 995, 99 999 999 in INVOPEN; 5,8-9 in
INV100K; 5,8-9 in INV200K; 5,8-9 in INV300K; 5,8-9 in INV500K; 5,8-9
in INV750K

INV50K
(553)

AA2e. Is
1.
5.
8.
9.
.

it $50,000 or more?
Yes
No
DK
NA
Inap, 5,8-9 in INVEST; 1-99 999 995, 99 999 999 in INVOPEN; 1,8-9 in
INV100K

INV25K
(552)

AA2f. Is
1.
5.
8.
9.
.

it $25,000 or more?
Yes
No
DK
NA
Inap, 5,8-9 in INVEST; 1-99 999 995, 99 999 999 in INVOPEN; 1,8-9 in
INV100K; 1,8-9 in INV50K

INV10K
(555)

AA2g. Is
1.
5.
8.
9.
.

INV5K
(556)

AA2h. Is
1.
5.
8.
9.
.

it $10,000 or more?
Yes
No
DK
NA
Inap, 5,8-9 in INVEST; 1-99 999 995, 99 999 999 in INVOPEN; 1,8-9 in
INV100K; 1,8-9 in INV50K; 1,8-9 in INV25K
it $5,000 or more?
Yes
No
DK
NA
Inap, 5,8-9 in INVEST; 1-99 999 995, 99 999 999 in INVOPEN;
1,8-9 in INV100K; 1,8-9 in INV50K; 1,8-9 in INV25K; 1,8-9 in INV10K

44
INVBKT

How much would your family’s investments be worth today?
a.
Would the total be $ 100,000 or more?
b.
Is it $ 200,000 or more?
c.
Is it $ 300,000 or more?
d.
Is it $ 500,000 or more?
d1.
Is it $ 750,000 or more?
d2.
Is it $1,000,000 or more?
e.
Is it $ 50,000 or more?
f.
Is it $ 25,000 or more?
g.
Is it $ 10,000 or more?
h.
Is it $ 5,000 or more?
01.
$
0000 4,999 No to h
02.
$
5,000 9,999 Yes to h
03.
$ 10,000 - 24,999 Yes to g
04.
$ 25,000 - 49,999 Yes to f
05.
$ 50,000 - 99,999 Yes to e
06.
$ 100,000 - 199,999 No to b
07.
$ 200,000 - 299,999 No to c
08.
$ 300,000 - 499,999 No to d
09.
$ 500,000 - 749,000 No to d1
10.
$ 750,000 - 999,999 No to d2
11.
$1,000,000 or more Yes to d2
99.
00.
.

NA, DK
Inap, 1 - 99 999 995, dollar amount given in INVOPEN
Inap, 5,8-9 in INVEST

INVSUM

STOCK
01.
02.
03.
04.
05.
06.
07.
08.
09.
10.
11.
99.
.

INVESTMENT AMOUNT SUMMARY
Under $5,000
$
5,000 9,999
$ 10,000 - 24,999
$ 25,000 - 49,999
$ 50,000 - 99,999
$ 100,000 - 199,999
$ 200,000 - 299,999
$ 300,000 - 499,999
$ 500,000 - 749,000
$ 750,000 - 999,999
$1,000,000 or more
NA, DK
Inap, 5,8-9 in INVEST

INVAMT

Stock Investment Amount Recoded
Code Dollars ($1-$99,999,995)
99 999 995. $99,999,995 or more
.
Inap, DK/NA (99 in INVBKT)
.
Inap, 5,8-9 in INVEST

INVQFM

Investment Question/Answer Format
1. Asked open question, answered open format
2. Asked open question, answered bracketed format: assigned midpoint of
bracket
3. Asked bracketed question, answered bracketed format: assigned
midpoint of bracket
. Inap, 5,8-9 in INVEST

45
STL50

Stock Value Percentiles (Above/below Median)
1. Bottom 50 Percent
5. Top 50 Percent
. Inap, DK/NA (99 in INVBKT)
. Inap, 5,8-9 in INVEST

STL3

Stock Value Percentiles (Terciles)
1. Bottom 33 Percent
2. Middle 33 Percent
3. Top 33 Percent
. Inap, DK/NA (99 in INVBKT)
. Inap, 5,8-9 in INVEST

STL4

Stock Value Percentiles (Quartiles)
1. Bottom 25 Percent
2. 25-50 Percent
3. 50-75 Percent
4. Top 25 Percent
. Inap, DK/NA (99 in INVBKT)
. Inap, 5,8-9 in INVEST

STL5

Stock Value Percentiles (Quintiles
1. Bottom 20 Percent
2. 20-40 Percent
3. 40-60 Percent
4. 60-80 Percent
5. Top 20 Percent
. Inap, DK/NA (99 in INVBKT)
. Inap, 5,8-9 in INVEST

STL10

Stock Value Percentiles (Bottom 10 Percent)
1. Bottom 10 Percent
5. Top 90 Percent
. Inap, DK/NA (99 in INVBKT)
. Inap, 5,8-9 in INVEST

STL90

Stock Value Percentiles (Top 10 Percent)
1. Top 10 Percent
5. Bottom 90 Percent
. Inap, DK/NA (99 in INVBKT)
. Inap, 5,8-9 in INVEST

50
Surveys of Consumers: December 2019
SECTION E: Respondent Demographics (E1-E10)
VAR #
EGRADE
(1403)

E1.

Now we would like to ask a few questions about you (and your family).
What is the highest grade of school or year of college you completed?
Code GRADE OF SCHOOL (01-17), EXCEPT:
98.
DK
99.
NA

EHSGRD
(1404)

E1a.

Did you get a high school graduation diploma or pass a high school
equivalency test?
1. YES
5. NO
8. DK
9. NA
0. Inap, 4 in EDUC

ECLGRD
(1405)

E1b.

Do
1.
5.
8.
9.
0.

you have a college degree?
YES
NO
DK
NA
Inap, 3,9 in EDUC

EDEGREE E1c.

What is the highest degree you have earned?
01.
Associates
02.
Bachelors
03.
Masters
04.
MBA
05.
Law
06.
PhD
07.
MD
98.
DK
99.
NA
.
Inap, 3,9 in EDUC; 5,8-9 in ECLGRD

BIRTHM
(1406)

What is the month and year of your birth?--MONTH
01.
January
02.
February
03.
March
04.
April
05.
May
06.
June
07.
July
08.
August
09.
September
10.
October
11.
November
12.
December
98.
DK
99.
NA

E2.

51
BIRTHY
(1407)

E2.

What is the month and year of your birth?--YEAR
Code 4-digit YEAR
9998. DK
9999. NA

MARRY
(1408)

E3.

Are you currently married, (living with a partner), separated,
divorced, widowed, or have you never been married?
1. MARRIED (LIVING WITH A PARTNER)
2. SEPARATED
3. DIVORCED
4. WIDOWED
5. NEVER MARRIED
6. Married, but Spouse away in service; in nursing home, or living in a
separate location
8. DK
9. NA

SEGRADE E4.
(1409)

What is the highest grade of school or year of college your
(husband/wife/partner) completed?
Code GRADE OF SCHOOL (01-17), EXCEPT:
98.
DK
99.
NA
00.
Inap, 2-5,8-9 in MARRY

SEHSGRD E4a.
(1410)

Did your (husband/wife/partner) get a high school graduation
diploma or pass a high school equivalency test?
1. YES
5. NO
8. DK
9. NA
0. Inap, 2-5,8-9 in MARRY; 13-17 in SEGRADE

SECLGRD E4b.
(1411)

Does your (husband/wife/partner) have a college degree?
1. YES
5. NO
8. DK
9. NA
0. Inap, 2-5,8-9 in MARRY; 01-12,98-99 in SEGRADE

SEDEGREE E4c. What is the highest degree your (husband/wife/partner) has earned?
01.
Associates
02.
Bachelors
03.
Masters
04.
MBA
05.
Law
06.
PhD
07.
MD
98.
DK
99.
NA
.
Inap, 2-5,8-9 in MARRY; 01-12,98-99 in SEGRADE; 5,8-9 in SECLGRD

52
SBIRTHM E5.
(1412)

What is the month and year of (his/her) birth?--MONTH
01.
January
02.
February
03.
March
04.
April
05.
May
06.
June
07.
July
08.
August
09.
September
10.
October
11.
November
12.
December
98.
DK
99.
NA
00.
Inap, 2-5,8-9 in MARRY

SBIRTHY E5.
(1413)

What is the month and year of (his/her) birth?--YEAR
Code 4-digit YEAR
9998. DK
9999. NA
0000. Inap, 2-5,8-9 in MARRY

NUMKID
(1414)

How many members of your household are 17 years of age or younger?
Code number (01-09)
10.
Ten or more

E6.

96.
98.
99.

NONE
DK
NA

NUMADT
(1420)

E7.

Counting yourself, how many members of your household are 18 or
older?
Code number (1-6); EXCEPT:
7. Seven or more
8. DK
9. NA

1422

E8.

Now I would like to ask two questions about your race or ethnic origin.
First, are you Hispanic or Latino?
1. Yes
5. No
8. DK
9. NA

1423

E8a.

(In addition to being Hispanic,) Do you consider yourself primarily
white or Caucasian, black or African American, American Indian or
Alaskan Native, Asian or Pacific Islander?
1. WHITE OR CAUCASIAN
2. BLACK OR AFRICAN AMERICAN
3. AMERICAN INDIAN OR ALASKAN NATIVE
4. ASIAN OR PACIFIC ISLANDER
8. DK
9. NA

53
RACE
(1421)

USEWEB

Race/Ethnicity Summary
1. WHITE OR CAUCASIAN EXCEPT HISPANIC
2. BLACK OR AFRICAN AMERICAN EXCEPT HISPANIC
3. HISPANIC OR LATINO(incl. interviews in Spanish)
4. AMERICAN INDIAN OR ALASKAN NATIVE
5. ASIAN OR PACIFIC ISLANDER
8. DK
9. NA
E10.

Do
1.
5.
8.
9.

you use e-mail or the Internet?
Yes
No
DK
NA

54
TIME*

SCA - BUILT VARS - ELAPSED MINUTES
Used this month:
TIMEA

SECTION A

TIMEA27

SECTION A27

TIMEA28

SECTION A28

TIMEA55

SECTION A55

TIMEAA

SECTION AA

TIMECA

SECTION CA

TIMEE

SECTION E

TIMEP

SECTION P

TIMERE

SECTION RE

55
Surveys of Consumers: December 2019
SECTION P: Political Affiliation (P1-P4)

VAR #
POLAFF

P1.

Generally speaking, do you usually think of yourself as a Republican, a
Democrat, an Independent, or what?
1. Republican
2. Democrat
3. Independent, no preference
8. DK
9. NA

POLREP

P2.

Would you call yourself a strong Republican or a not so strong
Republican?
1. Strong
5. Not so strong
8. DK
9. NA
. Inap, 2-3,8-9 in POLAFF

POLDEM

P3.

Would you call yourself a strong Democrat or a not so strong
Democrat?
1. Strong
5. Not so strong
8. DK
9. NA
. Inap, 1,3,8-9 in POLAFF

POLCRD

P4.

Do you think of yourself as closer to the Republican Party or to the
Democratic Party?
1. Closer to Republican
5. Closer to Democratic
6. Neither
8. DK
9. NA
. Inap, 1-2 in POLAFF

56

BLANK PAGE

59
Surveys of Consumers: December 2019
SECTION Z: Household Observation (Z1-Z8)

VAR #
HEADCODE
(1601)

Z1.

Relationship of R to head
1. R is head
2. R is wife/partner
3. R is other relation to head, who is a married male
4. R is head where head was selected by "closest to 45" rule
5. R is other relationship to head (where head was selected by
"closest to 45" rule)
9. NA

1602(#1)
1605(#2)
1608(#3)
1611(#4)
1614(#5)
1617(#6)
1620(#7)

Z1a.

Relationship to respondent
01.
02.
03.
04.
05.
06.
07.
08.
09.
10.
11.
29.

Respondent
Spouse of respondent
Partner of respondent
Child (incl. in-laws)
Grandchild
Parent (incl. in-laws)
Grandparent (incl. in-laws)
Aunt/uncle
Cousin (incl. in-laws)
Niece/nephew (incl. in-laws)
Sibling; step-brother; step-sister (incl. in-laws)
Other relative

31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
39.

Roommate
"Friend" (except partner)
Relative of partner
Ex-spouse
Housekeeper; babysitter
Landlord
Tenant
Other unrelated person

98.
99.
00.

DK
NA
Inap, no further persons in HU

60
SEX (#1)
1606(#2)
1609(#3)
1612(#4)
1615(#5)
1618(#6)
1621(#7)

Z1a.

Sex of Household member 18 or older

AGE (#1)
1607(#2)
1610(#3)
1613(#4)
1616(#5)
1619(#6)
1622(#7)

Z1a.

CALLNU
(1623)

Z2.

Number of calls from coversheet
Code NUMBER (01-95)
98.
DK
99.
NA

1625

Z4.

Sex of the Respondent
1. Male
2. Female

1626

Z5.

Questions asked about:
1. R ONLY
2. R AND FAMILY
8. DK
9. NA

1627

Z6.

Interview conducted in:
1. ENGLISH
2. SPANISH
9. NA

1628

Z7.

Was the Respondent's understanding of the questions:
1. EXCELLENT
2. GOOD
3. FAIR
4. POOR
8. DK
9. NA

1. Male
2. Female
9. NA
0. Inap, no further persons in HU
Age of person 18 or older (from listing box)
Code AGE (18-96)
97.
99.

Ninety-seven or older
NA

00.

Inap, no further persons in HU

61
ATTIW
(1629)

1632

REFCON

Z8.

In general, what was the respondent's attitude toward the interview:
1. FRIENDLY & INTERESTED
2. COOPERATIVE BUT NOT PARTICULARLY INTERESTED
3. IMPATIENT
4. HOSTILE
9. NA
CATI CHECKPOINT
1. CATI
2. PAPER INTERVIEW
3. BOTH
Refusal Conversion
1. YES
5. NO

62
ICS

The Index of Consumer Sentiment
The Index of Consumer Sentiment (ICS) is calculated using the following
formula, in which the component questions (x1 ...x5) are listed below.
The relative scores of the 5 component questions are used in the
equation and are defined as the percent giving favorable replies minus
the percent giving unfavorable replies, plus 100. Each relative score
is rounded to the nearest whole number. The denominator of the formula
is the 1966 base period total of 6.7558, and the added constant (n) is
to correct for sample design changes from the 1950s. Prior to December
1981, n=2.7; for December 1981 and after, n=2.0.

The Index of Consumer Sentiment is derived from the following five
questions:
x1 = "We are interested in how people are getting along financially
these days. Would you say that you (and your family living there)
are better off or worse off financially than you were a year ago?"
x2 = "Now looking ahead--do you think that a year from now you (and
your family living there) will be better off financially, or worse
off, or just about the same as now?"
x3 = "Now turning to business conditions in the country as a whole--do
you think that during the next twelve months we'll have good times
financially, or bad times, or what?"
x4 = "Looking ahead, which would you say is more likely--that in the
country as a whole we'll have continuous good times during the
next five years or so, or that we will have periods of widespread
unemployment or depression, or what?"
x5 = "About the big things people buy for their homes--such as
furniture, a refrigerator, stove, television, and things like
that. Generally speaking, do you think now is a good or bad time
for people to buy major household items?"

ICC
ICE

The Index of Current Economic Conditions
The Index of Consumer Expectations
Using the same procedures given above, the Index of Current Economic
Conditions (ICC) and the Index of Consumer Expectations (ICE) are
calculated as follows.