286 – Evaluating CPS ASEC Data Quality
Evaluating the Construct of a Canberra Household Income Definition Using the Annual Social and Economic Supplement to the Current Population Survey (CPS ASEC)
Jessica Semega
U.S. Census Bureau
The Canberra Group is an expert panel that initially came together in 1996 to discuss and to enhance the comparability of national household income statistics. The result of this panel was the Canberra Group Handbook (The Canberra Group, 2001). This paper discusses the use of CPS ASEC variables to construct household income estimates based on the recommendations in an updated version, Canberra Group Handbook on Household Income Statistics Second Edition (The Canberra Group, 2011). This is the Census Bureau's attempt to apply Canberra Group methodology and concepts to broaden the money income definition to compare internationally. This paper will discuss the feasibility and limitations of using ASEC variables in a Canberra Group definition of household income. Summary measures will be presented for calendar year 2010.
