Guide to the Use of Current Population Survey (CPS). Technical Report 24

Suggestions and guidelines for using the Bureau of the Census' Current Population Survey (CPS) files are provided. CPS is based on the civilian component of a national probability sample of households and is conducted by the Bureau of the Census. The survey gathers employment data on a continuing basis, as well as supplemental information on such things as school enrollment, adult education, voting, and fertility. Currently, the Bureau surveys about 68,000 households monthly. The CPS consists of two independent probability samples; furthermore, each CPS sample consists of eight approximately equal subsamples, known as rotation groups. Because of this design, it is possible to make comparisons on a month-to-month and year-to-year basis. CPS files exist for each month; however, the supplemental items vary from month to month and are not immediately available to the public. The bulk of this document consists of appendices, including a list of supplemental data tapes, most of which are available for use with IBM equipment; publicly available CPS files; selected computer runs; information needed to access the SAS system file; and documentation for selected records. (GDC)