Journal of Economic and Social Measurement - Volume 19, issue 2

Authors: Jacobs, Eva | Shipp, Stephanie

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Expenditure patterns of different demographic groups are examined using the Consumer Expenditure Survey. Such information is essential for describing the social and economic situation of the times. This paper outlines and discusses the evolution of the methodology of the Consumer …Expenditure Survey in the U.S. and changes in the spending patterns of American families since 1935–36 as revealed by these surveys. Both the collection methodology and results from the survey reflect the society of each era. The survey periods covered are 1935–36, 1960–61, 1972–73, and 1988–89. The survey has evolved from a relatively short questionnaire where respondents were asked to recall their expenditures over the last year to two separate instruments (weekly diaries and quarterly interviews) with shorter recall periods but, in the case of the interview component, many more detailed questions. This study reveals that over this period there was a significant shift in family budget shares away from food and toward transportation. The distribution of total aggregate spending has remained about the same across quartiles of income. Show more

DOI: 10.3233/JEM-1993-19201

Citation: Journal of Economic and Social Measurement, vol. 19, no. 2, pp. 59-96, 1993

Authors: Kintner, Hallie J. | Swanson, David A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: We present a method for generating confidence intervals around estimates of intercensal net migration, made using the life table survival method, that incorporate estimates of census measurement errors. The life table survival method applies a life table to a census …count to project survivors at some past or future time points. Net migration is then estimated as the difference between the projected number of survivors and the enumerated population at that time. We present confidence intervals based on mean square error, the sum of the variance and squared bias. We assume that random variation in the number of net migrants in an age-sex group is due to random variation in mortality rates and to measurement errors in census counts. We illustrate the technique using data from a small area in Alaska. Show more

DOI: 10.3233/JEM-1993-19202

Citation: Journal of Economic and Social Measurement, vol. 19, no. 2, pp. 97-120, 1993

Authors: McGuckin, Robert H. | Peck, SuZanne

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Establishment reclassification occurs when an establishment classified in one industry in one year is reclassified into another industry in another year. Because of survey design rules at the Census Bureau these reclassifications occur systematically over time, and affect the industry-level …time series of output and employment. The evidence shows that reclassified establishments occur most often in two distinct years over the life of a sample panel. Switches are not only numerous in these years, they also contribute significantly to measured industry change in industry output and employment. The problem is that reclassifications are not necessarily processed in the year that they occur. The survey rules restrict most change to certain years. The effect of these rules is evidenced by looking at the variance across industry growth rates which increases greatly in these two years. Whatever the reason for reclassifying an establishment, the way the switches are processed raises the possibility of measurement errors in the industry level statistics. Researchers and policymakers relying upon observations in annual changes in industry statistics should be aware of these systematic discontinuities, discrepancies and potential data distortions. Show more

DOI: 10.3233/JEM-1993-19203

Citation: Journal of Economic and Social Measurement, vol. 19, no. 2, pp. 121-139, 1993