Trend Data from ACS PUMS 2000 - 2013

For an analysis of trends in the household population--specifically grandparents as caregivers for their grandchildren--are there cautions to be wary of when processing the ACS PUMS from 2000 through 2013? The obvious difference is one of sample size during the development period 2000 - 2004 and its effect on statistical reliability. Others to be concerned about?

Best,
Warren A. Brown
Cornell University
wab4@cornell.edu
Parents
  • Hi Warren -
    Data from 2000-2004 were technically from a pilot of the ACS. Full implementation did not really begin until 2005.

    Also, one of the other main changes in the survey was the inclusion of group quarters into the sample, starting in 2006. This, theoretically, should not affect household populations (e.g. grandparents caring for grandchildren are in households, not GQ) BUT it may affect the population controlling that occurs for small area estimates.

    There may be other issues, but those are the two that come to mind.
Reply
  • Hi Warren -
    Data from 2000-2004 were technically from a pilot of the ACS. Full implementation did not really begin until 2005.

    Also, one of the other main changes in the survey was the inclusion of group quarters into the sample, starting in 2006. This, theoretically, should not affect household populations (e.g. grandparents caring for grandchildren are in households, not GQ) BUT it may affect the population controlling that occurs for small area estimates.

    There may be other issues, but those are the two that come to mind.
Children
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