Abstract
Janice Lent, Stephen Miller, Martha Duff, and Patrick Cantwell
(1998) "Comparing Current Population Survey Estimates Computed Using Different
Composite Estimators," Proceedings of the Section on Survey Research Methods,
American Statistical Association.
We examine the effect of a new composite estimation method on estimates from the
Current Population Survey, the U.S. labor force survey. Before December 1997, the AK
composite estimator was applied directly for each characteristic of interest. To ensure
consistency, the same coefficients were used for all estimates, though they were selected
to be optimal only for unemployment totals. The new "composite weighting" method
provides increased operational simplicity for micro data users and allows optimization of
compositing coefficients for different labor force categories. Using both additive and
multiplicative models, we develop adjustment factors that allow comparison of labor force
estimates computed using the old and new composite estimators. The models appear to fit
the data well; we illustrate their use for some key CPS statistics.
Last Modified Date: July 19, 2008
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