Consumer Expenditure Survey (CE) Gemini Project
Overview
The mission of the Gemini Project is to redesign the Consumer Expenditure surveys (CE) in order to improve data quality
through a verifiable reduction in measurement error, with a particular focus on under-reporting. The effort to
reduce measurement error is to be explored in a manner consistent with combating further declines in response rates.
Accordingly, any expected benefits of survey design changes will be balanced against any potential negative effects
on response rates.
Objectives
The primary objective of the Gemini Project is to develop a detailed research planning document for a redesign of the CE
surveys. The planning document will describe the priorities, individual steps, timeframe, resource needs, and costs required
for the development, pilot testing, evaluation, and implementation of a redesigned CE survey or surveys. To allow
for an unpredictable budgetary environment, the planning document will address both a complete redesign of the CE surveys as
well as more limited modifications to the current design. A secondary objective of the project is to generate a
planned research agenda that will guide the development and implementation of CE research studies throughout the
Gemini project lifecycle.
Scope
The Gemini Project was initiated in early 2009 and is expected to be completed within a 3-5 year period.
The project includes two stages:
- Stage 1 focuses on research to reduce measurement error in the process of redesigning the CE surveys.
It consists of five major steps, including the development, discussion, and summary statements on redesign options
that describe the strengths and weaknesses of each option.
- Stage 2 integrates the research findings into a coherent plan. Stage 2 consists of three major steps covering
the development and approval of a recommended redesign model, supported by a comprehensive planning document, or plan, for
field testing and implementation.
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Last Modified Date: July 28, 2010
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