Summary
The Survey of Consumer Attitudes and Behavior series (also known as the Surveys of Consumers) was undertaken to measure changes in consumer attitudes and expectations, to understand why such changes occur, and to evaluate how they relate to consumer decisions to save, borrow, or make discretionary purchases. This type of information is essential for forecasting changes in aggregate consumer behavior. Since the late 1940s, these surveys have been produced quarterly through 1977 and monthly thereafter. Each monthly survey probes a different aspect of consumer confidence. Open-ended questions are asked concerning evaluations and expectations about personal finances, employment, price changes, the national business climate, present market conditions for the the purchasing of houses, automobiles, personal computers, and other durables, familiarity with and expected use of the Internet, views on credit card company offers and credit card usage, and information about family and company vehicles. Demographic information includes race, ethnic origin, sex, age, education, marital status, and household size and income.Cf: http://doi.org/10.3886/ICPSR02948.v1