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Proof-of-Concept Test Design and Material
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The Proof-of-Concept test is designed to test the Gemini redesign plan (PDF) of the Consumer Expenditure Survey (CE) that was
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released in 2013. Details on the redesign can be found in the above report and on the Gemini webpage: http://www.bls.gov/cex/geminiproject.htm Prior to moving forward with further research regarding the components of the design plan, a Proof-of-Concept test is needed to ensure
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that the basic underlying structure and components of the new design are feasible. The Proof-of-Concept test (POC) is designed to
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mirror the proposed design to the fullest extent possible. It will include the administration of one wave of the proposed design, consisting
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of a Visit 1 recall interview, electronic individual diaries for eligible household members with a paper back-up, and a Visit 2 recordsfocused interview. Additionally, the design will use incentives as designed in the proposal report in order to motivate respondents with an expected reduction in the number of required contact attempts.
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This page includes a description of the test design, and links to materials used during the test.
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OMB Clearance No: 1220-0050 Expiration: 12/31/2017 Laura Erhard
[email protected] 202-691-5119
OMB Clearance
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POC Lead Contact (BLS)
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Full Design Overview
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Gemini Proof-of-Concept Test Detailed Overview PDF
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Design: Below are links to a brief overview of the Proof-of-Concept design and related material. For a detailed overview of the design,
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click on the above PDF link for the Gemini Proof-of-Concept Test Detailed Overview.
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On This Page
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Advanced Letter
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Diary Week
Visit 1
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Visit 2
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Advanced Letter An advanced letter (PDF) will be sent via priority mail, two weeks prior to each month of interviews. This letter will include a $2 bill token cash incentive.
Visit 1 A personal visit conducted via CAPI Interview that includes identifying household members and demographics, selected questions on recall-based expenditures, individual diary placement, and records training. Click on the links below to find the relevant interview questions or survey material for each section. Control Card (for New Consumer Unit) - collects household membership and demographics information Section 1, Part A. Reference Period - describes the reference period for the interview Section 6, Appliances, Household Equipment, and other Selected Items Section 8, Home Furnishings and Related Household Items Section 17, Subscriptions, Memberships, Books, and Entertainment Expenses Section 18, Trips and Vacations Section 19, Miscellaneous Expenses Diary Placement and Training (PDF) Records Training (PDF)
Note: The above sections link to the 2013 questionnaire sections, which are very simillar to the 2015 questionnaire sections used for the test; however, the electronic links were not available in time to post onto the BLS website. For a complete list of changes in the instrument, see the specfications document. (PDF) Upon the completion of all the sections in the first visit, the respondent will receive a $20 debit card from the Field Representative.
Diary Week The day following the interview, all eligible household respondents will be asked to keep an individual diary for one week. Eligible household members and their choice of mode (electronic or paper diary) will have been identified during the first visit. Each individual that completes a paper or electronic diary will receive a $20 debit card in the mail. Materials for the Diary week for paper mode: 1. Paper Diary (PDF)
Materials for the Diary week for electronic mode: 1. Electronic Diary Welcome Email (PDF) 2. Electronic instrument available via mobile or web (PDF) 3. User Guide (PDF) 4. Video tutorials
During the week, the main respondent will also be asked to collect records for the 3 month reference period based on the checklist provided during the first visit.
Visit 2 A personal visit conducted via CAPI Interview that includes the pick-up and recall of diary expenses and sections focused on expenditures that can be found in records collected during the previous week. Section 1, Part B. General Housing Characteristics Section 2, Rented Living Quarters Section 3, Owned Living Quarters and Other Owned Real Estate Section 4, Utilities and Fuels Section 10, Rented and Leased Vehicles Section 11, Owned Vehicles Section 13, Insurance Other than Health Section 14, Health Insurance Section 15, Medical and Health Expenditures Section 21, Work Experience and Income Section 22, Assets and Liabilities Respondent Debriefing (PDF)
Note: The above sections link to the 2013 questionnaire sections, which are very simillar to the 2015 questionnaire sections used for the test; however, the electronic links were not available in time to post onto the BLS website. For a complete list of changes in the instrument, see the specfications document. (PDF) Last Modified Date: June 18, 2015
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U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | Consumer Expenditure Surveys, PSB Suite 3985, 2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20212-0001 www.bls.gov/CEX | Telephone: 1-202-691-6900 | Contact Us