Data collection and quality assurance problems in consumer price indices

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Hannon Jr., John B.

Affiliations: Bureau of Statistics, International Labour Office (ILO), 7401 Carath Ct, Springfield, VA 22153, USA

Abstract: The process of data collection has a very big influence on the overall quality of the CPI, especially its timelines and accuracy. The paper discusses the importance of the design of price collection forms and the selection of data collectors with proper qualifications, right characteristics and varied skills and qualities. The role and methods of training data collectors and the key functions of data collection supervisors are presented. Suggestions are made for ensuring that data collectors, once trained, are retained and their morale maintained. Some other issues mentioned include the need for good relations between data collectors and respondents to obtain accurate data and for care when using secondary data sources as their needs may not coincide with those of the CPI programme. The timing, frequency and timeliness of data collection and the timely and accurate publication of CPI are discussed. The use of computers to assist both in the data collection process and in assuring the quality of the data is advocated. Quality adjustment in the price of an item presents a very complex problem and many difficulties for data collection arising from it are mentioned. Methods for the development and establishment of a quality assurance programme involving and in consultation with data collectors and supervisors as well as fully exploiting the power of computers are given.

DOI: 10.3233/SJU-1998-15105

Journal: Statistical Journal of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 85-96, 1998