Abstract:
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Data collection field staff perform an essential role in the implementation of any non-self-administered survey instrument. Critical to the quality of collected data, field staff also have a unique perspective on the effectiveness of survey protocols, and potential improvements. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Consumer Expenditure Survey (CE) program periodically asks field staff to provide feedback about data collection procedures, questionnaire design, and general topics of survey methodological interest. The 2015 Field Staff Survey sought feedback on (i) the protocol for a major upcoming survey redesign testing and implementation, (ii) using records as an aid to respondent recall, (iii) monetary incentive use, (iv) a proposal to return tabulated data of interest to respondents as a non-monetary incentive, and (v) the use and potential expansion of a Contact History Instrument (CHI) for tracking contact attempt-based observations. This presentation will focus on recommendations from field staff regarding the redesign of the CE, including broader methodological lessons learned, as well as implementation plans based on recommendations.
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