A Test of Data Collection Methodologies: the Methods Test

The Methods Test Panel (MTP) is a survey research vehicle designed by the Bureau of the Census to test a l te rna t i ve methodologies and concepts used in the Current Population Survey (CPS). The MTP is an attempt to improve the qua l i t y , r e l i a b i l i t y , and u t i l i t y of CPS data, and is intended to provide a way of test ing and evaluating recommendat ions from the National Commission on Employment and Unemployment S ta t i s t i cs (NCEUS). Although the project addresses issues that d i r e c t l y re late to labor force data col lected in the CPS, the methodological f indings should have appl icat ion to a broader class of household surveys.