Specific items conern expected changes in inflation, unemployment, and interest rates, as well as confidence in government economic policies. Several questions probe for the respondent's appraisal of present market condition for large household durables, vehicles, and houses. In each area, consumers not only give overall opinions, but also are asked to describe their reasons for holding those views. Open-ended questions are asked concerning evaluations and expectations about personal finances, employment, price changes, and the national business situation. Additional questions test buying intentions for automobiles and the respondent's appraisals of present market conditions for purchasing houses, automobiles, and other durables.
Demographic information includes ethnic origin, sex, age, and education.
Survey is conducted via 500 telephone interviews each month. The surveys use a national sample of dwelling units selected by area probability sampling that is representative of the adult population of the United States. For the most part, a different sample is used each quarter. Interviewing is conducted on a family basis, with the respondent randomly selected from among the household head, spouse, and other family members over 18 years of age. Also on the web from 1996 until the present at Surveys of Consumers.