American Time Use Survey Questionnaire ATUS User Guide

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American Time Use Survey
Questionnaire
2011-17
(Revised and condensed for public dissemination)

June 2018
The American Time Use Survey is sponsored by the Bureau of Labor Statistics
and conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau and is collected under OMB control
#1220-0175 with an expiration of December 31, 2019.

American Time Use Survey Questionnaire

Table of Contents
About the ATUS Questionnaire ......................................................................................................... 3
Section 1. Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 5
Section 2. Household Roster ............................................................................................................. 8
Section 3. Employment ....................................................................................................................12
Section 4. Time-Use Diary ...............................................................................................................21
Section 5. Summary Questions .........................................................................................................26
Work and Income-generating Activities ......................................................................................26
Secondary Childcare ...................................................................................................................28
Volunteering ..............................................................................................................................32
Section 5a. Eldercare .......................................................................................................................33
Section 7a. Labor Force Status: Layoff/Looking ...............................................................................40
Section 7b. Labor Force Status: Employed .......................................................................................46
Section 8. Earnings and School Enrollment ......................................................................................50
Section 9. Conclusion ......................................................................................................................54

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire

About the ATUS Questionnaire
The American Time Use Survey (ATUS) is the first federally funded, continuous survey
designed to measure time use in the United States. The ATUS is sponsored by the Bureau of
Labor Statistics and conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. Information is collected in the ATUS
on how people spend their time, as well as where they are and whom they are with during their
daily activities.
The ATUS is a nationally representative sample drawn from households that have completed
their eighth and final interview for the Current Population Survey (CPS). Using CPS households
saves time because demographic and labor force information has already been collected. An
eligible person from each CPS household in the sample is selected as the ATUS designated
person (DP). Each ATUS DP is then assigned a day about which to report his or her activities.
The ATUS interviewer contacts the DP on the interview day, the day directly following the preassigned reporting day (e.g., Monday will be the interview day for a DP who has been assigned
to report about their activities on a Sunday). ATUS interviewers attempt to contact the DP on
the interview day for up to eight weeks to complete a one-time interview. No proxy responses
are allowed in the ATUS, so only the DP may complete the interview.
All of the ATUS interviews are conducted using a Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing
(CATI) instrument, allowing interviewers to easily follow complex skip patterns, skipping
different questions depending on various respondent characteristics. For example, a person
living alone will not be asked questions about his or her spouse. See the ATUS User’s Guide
(http://www.bls.gov/tus/atususersguide.pdf) for information about the interview and the CATI
instrument.
One of the disadvantages of the CATI system is the loss of a readable paper questionnaire. The
purpose of this document is to provide the data user with question universes (i.e., information
about which respondents were asked the associated questions), question wording, response
choices, and skip patterns in a readable paper format. This document includes most, but not all,
questions asked in the survey in 2011 and later, their descriptions, and variables associated with
the questions. These question variables should not be confused with the variable names provided
in the ATUS data dictionaries. Information for each question is contained within individual
boxes in this document. Text and selected screen shots are included to provide further
explanation of the data collection instrument.
In 2011, questions about trips were replaced with eldercare questions. No other changes were
made to the questionnaire. The 2003-10 ATUS questionnaire is available online at
www.bls.gov/tus/tuquestionnaire0310.pdf.

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire
Sample Question:
Variable Name
S_REFWHO
Universe:

Question Universe

HELLO = Refused OR INTRO = Refused OR INTRO_B = 3

*Was the refusal BY the respondent or from someone else FOR the respondent?
If necessary ask: May I ask with whom I am speaking?
Skip patterns are shown in
1. By DP
brackets. Skip patterns apply to
2. Parent/ guardian for the DP
all response options above
3. Someone else
without their own skip patterns
4. Not sure
[Go to S_REFWHY]
(in this case, answers 1-4)

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire

S1: Introduction
Universe: ALL

The interview begins as the interviewer attempts to contact the designated person (DP) on the
interview day. If the DP refuses the interview or someone else in the household refuses the
interview on behalf of the DP, the interviewer records who refused and the reason for refusal. If
the DP agrees to the interview, the interviewer verifies the DP’s address.
HELLO
Universe

Someone answers the telephone or someone calls into the telephone center

If outgoing call: Hello. This is _____ from the U.S. Census Bureau. May I please speak to [DPNAME]?
If incoming call: Thank you for returning our call. My name is ______ from the U.S. Census Bureau. We
contacted your house concerning a very important survey.
*If necessary: Am I speaking with [DPNAME]?
1. This is the correct person
2. Person not home or not available now
3. Person unknown at this number
4. Other outcome or problem interviewing DP
Refused
INTRO
Universe:

[Go to INTRO]
[Call back later]
[Verify telephone number and address]
[Terminate interview, record outcome]
[Go to S_REFWHO]

All

We are conducting a survey for the Bureau of Labor Statistics on how people in America spend their time. This
information will be used to find out how people balance work, child care, leisure, and other activities in their lives.
This is a one-time only survey and will take about 20 minutes.
Did you receive our mailing for the American Time Use Survey explaining the importance of this survey and
requesting your participation?
1. Yes
2. No
Refusal

[Continue with address verification]
[Go to H_LETTER]
[Go to S_REFWHO]

If the DP confirms receipt of the letter, the interview continues with address verification (below):
Before we get started, I need to verify that your address is still [ADDRESS]?
1. Same address
2. Moved, not same address
3. Haven’t moved, but address has changed
4. Incorrect address previously recorded

[Go to INTRO_B]
[Go to MOVED]
[Correct address, go to INTRO_B]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire

If the DP indicates that he or she has not received the letter, then the interviewer reads the
following text (see H_LETTER below):
H_LETTER
Universe:

INTRO = 2

As I mentioned, this survey will provide information about how people balance their time. I would like you to
know that all the information you provide for this voluntary survey is confidential. This survey
is authorized by Title 13, Sections 8 and 9. The OMB number is 1220-0175.
1. Return to INTRO and verify address
MOVED
Universe:

Address verification in INTRO = 2

Since we selected an individual at this address for inclusion in the survey and we are not following people when
they move, no interview is needed of you at this time. Thank you for your time.
1. Terminate interview and record outcome in interviewer notes
INTRO_B
Universe:

INTRO = 1, 3, 4

This call may be recorded for quality assurance purposes. Do I have your permission to record this call?
*If NO – respondent does not wish to be recorded, click on the stop recording button. Read if Necessary: I
appreciate your concern. I am turning off the recording.
1. Continue
2. Inconvenient time. Callback needed.
3. Refused to participate
4. Language problem or refer to supervisor
S_REFWHO
Universe:

[Go to S2: (Household Roster)]
[Schedule call back appointment]
[Go to S_REFWHO]
[Terminate interview, record outcome]

HELLO = Refused OR INTRO = Refused OR INTRO_B = 3

*Was the refusal BY the respondent or from someone else FOR the respondent?
If necessary ask: May I ask with whom I am speaking?
1. By DP
2. Parent/ guardian for the DP
3. Someone else
4. Not sure
[Go to S_REFWHY]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire

S_REFWHY
Universe:

S_REFWHO = 1-4

*Recode reason for refusal
If necessary ask: Would you please tell me the main reason you don’t want to participate in this survey?
1. Tired of doing CPS
2. Not interested in topic
3. Too busy, survey takes too long
4. Topic is too personal/ none of government’s business
[Terminate interview, record outcome]
5. Other - Specify
[Record verbatim response, terminate interview,
record outcome]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire

S2: Household Roster
Universe: ALL

Next, the interviewer reviews the household roster, which includes the name, sex, birth date, and
age of each household member, as well his or her relationship to the DP. The ATUS household
roster begins with the last recorded CPS household roster. The interviewer verifies and updates
the roster to reflect any changes in the household since the final CPS interview.

Question Text
Interviewer
Instructions

Variables
Household
members
and their
information

STLLIV
Universe:

All

I have listed [Names]
* Read names
Do all these persons still live here?
1. Yes
2. No
[Go to STATUS]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire

The following variables are included in the household roster (see screenshot above):
STATUS
Universe:

(Labeled STAT in screenshot above)
STLLIV = 1, 2 and Household member is not the DP

If STLLIV = 2: Use arrow key to move to the correct person and enter reason for membership change.
1. Person deceased
2. Person moved out
3. Person left - was a ‘Usually Resides Elsewhere’ last month
4. Correct a previous mistake
5. Person is a ‘Usually Resides Elsewhere’ this month
9. Reinstate

If there is a blank field on the roster, the interviewer runs through a series of questions to fill it
in.
FNAME
Universe:

(Labeled FIRST NAME in screenshot above)
STATUS = blank, 9

Who else is living or staying here now?
1. Enter First Name
2. 999 if no more persons
[Go to NHHCHILD]
LNAME
Universe:

(Labeled LAST NAME in screenshot above)
FNAME ≠ 999 and STATUS = blank, 9

1. Enter Last Name
MEM
Universe:

FNAME ≠ 999 and STATUS = blank, 9

Is this [your/name's] usual place of residence?
* A nonhousehold child is a respondent’s child under the age of 18 who does not live with the respondent
1. Yes
[Go to SEX]
2. No
[Go to URE]
3. No, nonhousehold child
Don’t Know, Refused
[Go to SEX]

URE
Universe:

MEM = 2

Do you/ Does [FNAME] [LNAME] have a usual place of residence elsewhere?
1. Yes
[Go to next household member]
2. No
[Go to SEX]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire

SEX
Universe:

MEM = 1, 2, 3, Don’t Know or Refused and STATUS = blank, 9

What is [your/FNAME] [LNAME] sex?
1. Male
2. Female
Don’t Know, Refused
[IF DP or nonhousehold child, go to BIRTHM] [Else go to RRP]
RRP
Universe:

(Labeled REL in screenshot above)
(MEM = 1, 2, Don’t Know, Refused and STATUS = blank, 9) AND (Person is not the DP)

How is [FNAME] [LNAME] related to you?
*Ask if not apparent
20. Spouse (husband/wife)
21. Unmarried partner
22. Child/stepchild
23. Grandchild
24. Parent (mother or father)
25. Brother/sister
26. Other related person (aunt, cousin, nephew, mother-in-law, etc.)
27. Foster child
28. Housemate/roommate
29. Roomer/boarder
30. Other nonrelative
40. Nonhousehold child
[Go to BIRTHM]
BIRTHM
Universe:

(labeled Birth Month in screenshot above)
Person is household member and STATUS = blank, 9

What is [fill: your/name's] date of birth?
1. Enter Birth Month
Don’t Know, Refused
BIRTHD
Universe:

(Labeled DAY in screenshot above)
BIRTHM = valid response

1. Enter Birth Day
Don’t Know, Refused
BIRTHY
Universe:

[Go to BIRTHD]

[Go to BIRTHY]

(Labeled YEAR in screenshot above)
BIRTHD = valid response

1. Enter Birth Year
Don’t Know, Refused

[Go to AGE]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire

AGE
Universe:

BIRTHY

If BIRTHY = Response: As of yesterday, that would make [FNAME] [LNAME] approximately [AGE] years
old.
Is that correct?
IF BIRTHY = blank, Don’t Know, Refused: Even though you don’t know [FNAME] [LNAME]’s birth date,
what is your best guess as to how old you/he/she were/was on your/his/her last birthday?
1. 0-98
Don’t Know/Refused
[Go to next line on grid]
[If last line on grid, go to NHHCHILD]

Before closing the roster screen, the interviewer verifies that no one else is currently living or
staying in the household. If anyone new is added to the household roster, the series of questions
beginning with FNAME above are repeated to capture his/her name, age, and relationship to the
DP. In addition, respondents are asked whether they have any children under age 18 not living
with them. If a respondent has a nonhousehold child under age 18, the child’s information is
added to the household roster, enabling the selection of that child in the WHO column once the
ATUS diary is asked.
NHHCHILD
Universe:

FNAME = 999 and all appropriate roster grid fields are complete

Do you have any children under 18 who do not live with you?
* Read if necessary: The way people spend time is often related to whether they have children even if the
children don't live with them.
1. Yes, add child
[Add person]
2. No
[Go to S3: (Employment)]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire

S3: Employment
Universe: ALL

Next, the interviewer asks questions to determine whether the DP was working, looking for a
job, on layoff, retired, or disabled. The interviewer also asks if anyone in the household owns a
business or a farm. These questions update previously collected CPS information and use the
same wording as the CPS questions except that the CPS language “last week” is changed to “last
seven days” in the ATUS.
A CPS variable called the Monthly Labor force Recode (MLR) is used to drive the skip patterns
in this section. MLR indicates whether the respondent was reported to be employed in the final
CPS interview. Its values are as follows:
1 Employed, at work
2 Employed, absent
3
Unemployed, on layoff
4
Unemployed, looking
5
Not in labor force, retired
6
Not in labor force, disabled
7
Not in labor force, other
RRP (See S2: Household Roster) is also used to constrain the universe for several variables.
RRPs of 20 and 21 constrain the universe to persons with a spouse (20) or unmarried partner
(21).
LABFOR
Universe:

All

We know that people who work spend their time differently than others. So, before I ask you about what you did
yesterday, I need to update your employment status. The next few questions will sound familiar to you if you were
the person in your household who did the Current Population Survey. I’m going to ask you about work in the LAST
SEVEN DAYS. By the LAST SEVEN DAYS, I mean the days beginning on [Interview date minus eight, in day,
month, date, year format], and ending yesterday.
1. Enter 1 to continue.
BUS
Universe:

[Go to BUS]

All

[Do you/Does anyone in this household] have a business or a farm?
1. Yes
[If there is only 1 household member, go to FWK] [Else go to BUSL1]
2. No
Don’t Know, Refused
[Go to FWK]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire

BUSL1
Universe:

BUS =1 AND more than 1 household member

Whose business or farm is it?
*Enter all that apply, separate with commas.
(The instrument displays all household members, and instructs the interviewer to enter the number of each person
who owns the business or farm, separated by a comma.)
1. [FNAME] [LNAME]
2. [FNAME] [LNAME]
3. [FNAME] [LNAME]
Don’t Know, Refused
FWK
Universe:

[Go to FWK]

All

In the LAST SEVEN DAYS, did you do ANY work for [pay/either pay or profit]?
1. Yes
[Go to MJ]
2. No
[If BUS=1 and there is only 1 household member go to BUS1]
[If MLR = 5 and age > 64 AND FWK = 2, 4, or 5 go to RET]
[If MLR = 6 go to DIS]
[All others go to FABS]
3. Retired
[Age > 64 go to RET1a]
4. Disabled
[Go to DIS1a]
5. Unable to work
[Go to DIS2a]
Don’t Know, Refused
[Go to FABS]
BUS1
Universe:

FWK = 2-5 AND BUS = 1 AND more than one household member

In the LAST SEVEN DAYS, did you do any unpaid work in the family business or farm?
1. Yes
[If a household member is a business owner go to HRUSL1] [Else go to BUS2]
2. No
[If MLR = 5 and age > 64 AND FWK = 2, 4, or 5 go to RET]
[If MLR = 6 go to DIS]
[If FWK = 4 go to DIS1a]
[If FWK = 5 go to DIS2a]
[If FWK = 3 AND age > 64 go to RET1a]
[All else go to FABS]
BUS2
Universe:

BUS1 = 1 AND household member other than DP or DP’s spouse/unmarried partner is/are
the business owner(s)

Do you receive any payments or profits from the business?
1. Yes
2. No
Don’t Know, Refused
[Go to HRUSL1]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire
RET
Universe:

(FWK = 2, 4, 5 AND MLR = 5 AND age > 64) AND (BUS ≠ 1) OR (there is more than one
household member)
OR (BUS1 = 2, Don’t Know, Refused and FWK = 2, 4, 5 and MLR =5 and age > 64)

The last time we spoke to someone in this household you were reported to be retired.
Are you still retired?
1. Yes
2. No
3. Was not retired last month/last time
Don’t Know, Refused

DIS
Universe:

[Go to RET1a]
[Go to FABS]

(FWK = 2-5 AND (BUS ≠ 1 OR there is more than one household member)
OR (BUS1 = 2, Don’t Know, Refused)) AND MLR = 6

[Fill: Last time we spoke to someone in this household, you were reported to have a disability.]
Does your disability continue to prevent you from doing any kind of work for the next 6 months [fill: including
work in the family business or farm]?
1. Yes
2. No
3. Did not have disability last month
Don’t Know, Refused

RET1a
Universe:

[If RRP = 20, 21 for any household member go to SP1]
[Else go to S4: (Time-use Diary)]
[If FWK = 3 AND age > 64 go to RET1a] [Else go to FABS]

(FWK = 3 AND (BUS ≠ 1 or there is more than one household member) and age > 64 and
(DIS ≠ 1))
OR (BUS1 = 2, Don’t Know, Refused and FWK = 3 and age > 64)
OR (RET = 1)

Do you currently want a job, either full or part time?
1. Yes, Maybe, it depends
2. No
[If RRP = 20, 21 for any household member go to SP1]
[Else go to S4: (Time-use Diary)]
3. Has a job
[Go to ABSRSN]
Don’t Know, Refused
[If RRP = 20, 21 for any household member go to SP1]
[Else go to S4: (Time-use Diary)]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire

DIS1a
Universe:

(DIS = 2, 3, Don’t Know, Refused AND FWK =3 AND age > 64)
OR (FWK = 4 AND (MLR ≠ 5 or age < 50) AND MLR ≠ 6 AND (BUS ≠ 1 or there is
more than one household member))
OR (BUS1 = 2, Don’t Know, Refused AND (FWK = 4 AND (MLR ≠ 5 or age < 50)
AND MLR ≠ 6)

Does your disability prevent you from accepting any kind of work during the next six months?
1. Yes
[If RRP = 20, 21 for any household member go to SP1] [Else go to S4: (Time-use Diary)]
2. No
Don’t Know, Refused [Go to FABS]
DIS2a
Universe:

(FWK = 5 AND (MLR ≠ 5 or age < 50) AND MLR ≠ 6 AND (BUS ≠ 1 or there is more
than one household member)) OR BUS1 = 2, Don’t Know, Refused AND FWK = 5
AND ((MLR ≠ 5 or age < 50) AND MLR ≠ 6)

Do you have a disability that prevents you from accepting any kind of work during the next six months?
1. Yes
[If RRP = 20, 21 for any household member go to SP1] [Else go to S4: (Time-use Diary)]
2. No
[Go to FABS]
FABS
Universe:

(RET1a = empty) AND [(WK = 2) AND (BUS ≠ 1 or more than one household member)
AND (MLR ≠ 5) or (age < 50) AND (MLR ≠ 6)]
OR [(FWK = 3) AND (age < 50) AND (BUS ≠ 1 or more than one household member) AND
(MLR ≠ 5) AND (MLR ≠ to 6)] OR
[(BUS1 = 2, Don’t Know, Refused) AND (FWK = 2) AND (MLR ≠ 5) or (age < 50)
AND (MLR ≠ 6)]
OR [(BUS1 = 2, Don’t Know, Refused) AND (FWK = 3) AND (age < 50) AND (MLR ≠ 6)]
OR [(RET = 2, 3, Don’t Know, Refused AND (FWK ≠ 3 or age < 50)]
OR [(DIS = 2, 3, Don’t Know, Refused AND (FWK ≠ 3 or age < 50)]
OR (DIS1a = 2, Don’t Know, Refused)
OR (DIS2a = 2, Don’t Know, Refused)
OR (FWK = Don’t Know, Refused)

In the LAST SEVEN DAYS, [in addition to the business,] did you have a job either full or part time? Include
any job from which you were temporarily absent.
1. Yes
2. No
3. Retired
4. Disabled
5. Unable
Don’t Know, Refused

[Go to ABSRSN]
[If a household member is a business owner, go to ABSRSN] [Else go to LAY]
[If age > 64 AND no entry in RET1a go to RET1b] [Else go to LAY]
[Go to DIS 1b]
[Go to DIS 2b]
[Go to LAY]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire
RET1b
Universe:

(No entry in RET1a) AND FABS = 3 AND age > 64

Do you currently want a job, either full or part time?
1. Yes or Maybe, it depends
2. No
[If RRP = 20, 21 for any household member go to SP1]
[Else go to S4: (Time-use Diary)]
3. Has a job
[Go to ABSRSN]
Don’t Know, Refused
[If RRP = 20, 21 for any household member go to SP1]
[Else go to S4: (Time-use Diary)]
DIS1b
Universe:

FABS = 4

Does your disability prevent you from accepting any kind of work during the next six months?
1. Yes
[IF RRP = 20, 21 for any household member go to SP1]
[Else go to S4: (Time-Use Diary)]
2. No
Don’t Know, Refused
[Go to LAY]
DIS2b
Universe:

FABS = 5

Do you have a disability that prevents you from accepting any kind of work during the next six
months?
1. Yes
[If RRP = 20, 21 go to SP1]
[Else go to S4: (Time-use Diary)]
2. No
3. Don’t Know, Refused
[Go to LAY]
LAY
Universe:

(DIS1b = 2, Don’t Know, Refused)
OR (DIS2b = 2, Don’t Know, Refused)
OR (FABS = Don’t Know, Refused)
OR (FABS =2 AND No household member is a business owner)
OR (FABS = 3 AND entry in RET1a or age < 25)

During the LAST SEVEN DAYS, were you on layoff from a job?
1. Yes
2. No
[If RRP =20, 21 for any household member go to SP1]
[Else go to S4 (Time-use Diary)]
3. Retired
[If age > 64 go to RET1c]
[If RRP = 20, 21 for any household member go to SP1]
[Else go to S4: (Time-use Diary)]
4. Disabled
[Go to DIS1c]
5. Unable
[Go to DIS2c]
Don’t Know, Refused
[If RRP =20, 21 for any household member go to SP1]
[Else go to S4: (Time-use Diary)]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire
RET1c
Universe:

(No entry in RET1 AND RET1a) AND LAY = 3 AND age > 64

Do you currently want a job, either full or part time?
1. Yes or Maybe, it depends
2. No
[If RRP = 20, 21 for any household member go to SP1]
[Else go to S4: (Time-use Diary)]
3. Has a job
[Go to ABSRSN]
Don’t Know, Refused
[If RRP = 20, 21 for any household member go to SP1]
[Else go to S4: (Time-use Diary)]
DIS1c
Universe:

(No entry in DIS1a, DIS2a, DIS1b and DIS2b) AND LAY = 4

Does your disability prevent you from accepting any kind of work during the next six months?
1. Yes
2. No
Don’t Know, Refused
[If RRP = 20, 21 for any household member go to SP1]
[Else go to S4: (Time-use Diary)]

DIS2c
Universe:

(No entry in DIS1a, DIS2a, DIS1b and DIS2b) AND LAY = 5

Do you have a disability that prevents you from accepting any kind of work during the next six months?
1. Yes
2. No
Don’t Know, Refused
[If RRP = 20, 21 for any household member go to SP1]
[Else go to S4: (Time-use Diary)]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire
ABSRSN
Universe:

(FABS = 1)
OR (RET1a = 3)
OR (RET1b = 3)
OR (RET1c = 3)
OR (FABS =2 AND (a household member is a business owner))

What was the main reason you were absent from work during the LAST SEVEN DAYS?
1. On layoff (temporary or indefinite)
2. Slack work/business conditions
3. Waiting for new job to begin
[If RRP = 20, 21 for any household member go to SP1]
[Else go to S4: (Time-use Diary)]
4. Vacation/personal days
5. Own illness/injury/medical problems
6. Childcare problems
7. Other family/personal obligation
8. Maternity/paternity leave
9. Labor dispute
10. Weather affected job
11. School/training
12. Civic/military duty
[If a household member is a business owner and FABS =1, 2 go to
HRUSL1] [Else go to MJ]
13. Does not work in the business
[If RRP = 20, 21 for any household member go to SP1]
[Else go to S4: (Time-use Diary)]
14. Other
[Go to ABSPC]
Don’t Know, Refused
[If a household member is a business owner and FABS =1, 2 go to
HRUSL1] [Else go to MJ]
ABSPC
Universe:

ABSRSN = 14

1. Enter Verbatim Response
Don’t Know, Refused

MJ
Universe:

[If a household member is a business owner and FABS = 1, 2 go to HRUSL1]
[Else go to MJ]

FWK = 1
OR (ABSRSN = 4 – 12, 14, Don’t Know, Refused
AND (no household member is a business owner)) OR (FABS ≠ 2)

In the LAST SEVEN DAYS, did you have more than one job [or business], including part-time, evening or weekend
work?
1. Yes
2. No
Don’t Know, Refused
[go to HRUSL1]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire
HRUSL1
Universe:

(BUS1 = 1 AND a household member is a business owner)
OR (MJ = 1, 2, Don’t Know, Refused)
OR (BUS2 = 1, 2, Don’t Know, Refused)
OR (ABSRSN = 4-12, 14, Don’t Know or Refused
AND (a household member is a business owner) AND FABS = 1, 2)

How many hours per week do you USUALLY work at your [main] job?
*By main job we mean the one at which you usually work the most hours.
*Please enter Hours or Enter V if Hours Vary
0-99 hours
[If MJ = 1 go to HRUSL2]
[If RRP = 20, 21 for any household member go to SP1]
[Else go to S4: (Time-use Diary)]
Hours Vary
Don’t Know, Refused
[BUS1 = 1 and if DP has only one job, go to HRFTPT]
[If RRP = 20, 21 for any household member go to SP1]
[Else go to S4: (Time-use Diary)]
HRUSL2
Universe:

HRUSL1 = valid response AND DP has more than one job

How many hours per week do you USUALLY work at your other job(s)?
* Please enter Hours or Enter V if Hours vary
0-99 hours
Hours vary
Don’t Know, Refused [If HRUSL1 = Don’t Know, Refused, Hours vary, 0-34 and
HRUSL2 =Don’t Know, Refused, Hours vary, go to HRFTPT]
[If HRUSL2 = Don’t Know, Refused, Hours vary, 0-34 and
HRUSL1 = Don’t Know, Refused, Hours vary, go to HRFTP]
[If RRP = 20, 21 for any household member go to SP1] [Else go to S4: (Time-use Diary)]

HRFTPT
Universe:

(HRUSL1 = Don’t Know, Refused, Hours Vary AND (BUS =1 or DP has only 1 job))
OR (HRUSL2 = Don’t Know, Refused, Hours Vary AND HRUSL1 = Don’t Know,
Refused, Hours Vary, 0-34)
OR (HRUSL1 = Don’t Know, Refused, Hours vary AND HRUSL2 = Don’t Know, Refused,
Hours vary, 0-34)

Do you USUALLY work 35 hours or more per week [at all your jobs combined/in the family
business or farm/ at your job]?
1. Yes
2. No
3. Hours vary
Don’t Know, Refused [If RRP = 20, 21 for any household member go to SP1]
[Else go to S4: (Time-use Diary)]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire
SP1
Universe:

Household member with RRP = 20, 21 who was not deleted from household roster because
he/she moved out, or was deceased

In the LAST SEVEN DAYS, did [spouse’s name] do ANY work for [pay/ either pay or profit]?
1. Yes
[Go to SP3]
2. No
[Go to SP2]
3. Retired
[Go to S4: (Time-use Diary)]
4. Disabled
[Go to S4: (Time-use Diary)]
5. Unable to Work
[Go to S4: (Time-use Diary)]
Don’t Know, Refused
[Go to SP2]
SP2
Universe:

SP1 =2, Don’t Know, Refused

In the LAST SEVEN DAYS, [in addition to the business,] did [spouse’s name] have a job either full or part time?
Include any job from which [he/she] was temporarily absent.
1. Yes
[Go to SP3]
2. No
3. Retired
4. Disabled
5. Unable
Don’t Know, Refused
[Go to S4: (Time-use Diary)]
SP3
Universe:

SP2 = 1

How many hours per week does [spouse's name] USUALLY work?
*Enter V for Hours vary
00-99 hours
Hours vary
Don’t Know, Refused
SP4
Universe:

[Go to S4: (Time-use Diary)]
[Go to SP4]

SP3 = Hours vary, Don’t Know, Refused

Does [he/she] USUALLY work 35 hours or more per week?
1. Yes
2. No
3. Hours vary
4. No longer has a job
Don’t Know, Refused
[Go to S4: (Time-use Diary)]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire

S4: Time-use Diary
Universe: ALL

Next, the interviewer collects a detailed account of the DP’s activities from 4 a.m. the previous
day to 4 a.m. on the interview day. The interviewer uses pre-codes (1-12 in the diary grid) to
quickly record commonly-reported activities, but records the DP’s verbatim responses for all
other activities. The interviewer then asks how long each reported activity took. This may be
recorded either as the duration of the activity or as the start and stop times of the activity. The
interviewer continues, asking WHO questions for all activities, except for sleeping, grooming,
and personal activities (e.g. cuddling, making out, etc.). He or she then asks the WHERE
questions for all activities except for sleeping, grooming, and personal activities. After the DP
completely answers all questions about an activity (including duration, with whom, and where),
the interviewer prompts for the next activity.
The ATUS does not collect simultaneous activities. If a respondent reports doing more than one
activity at a given time, the interviewer first asks her if she can separate the activities into
different time intervals. If she is unable to do this, the interviewer asks her which activity was
her main activity and records the response.

Question text
Interviewer
Instructions

Pre-coded
activities
Variables

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire

CORE_LEAD
Universe:

All

Now I'd like to find out how you spent your time yesterday, [yesterday's day & date], from 4:00 in the morning
until 4:00 AM this morning. I'll need to know where you were and who else was with you. If an activity is too
personal, there's no need to mention it.

The following variables are included in the diary grid:
ACTIVITY
Universe:

All

So let's begin. Yesterday, [previous weekday] at 4:00 AM, what were you doing? /What did you do next?
*Use the slash key (/) for recording separate/simultaneous activities.
(If the DP reports an activity with no associated precode, the interviewer can type the activity directly onto the
blank activity line.)
1. Sleeping
2. Grooming (self)
3. Watching TV
4. Working at main job
5. Working at other job
6. Preparing meals or snacks
7. Eating and drinking
8. Cleaning kitchen
9. Laundry
10. Grocery shopping
11. Attending religious service
12. Paying household bills
30. Don’t know/ Can’t remember
31. Refusal/ None of your business
TIME
Universe:

[Go to TIME]

ACTIVITY = valid response

How long did you spend [ACTIVITY]?
1. Enter duration (hours, minutes)
2. Enter stop time
HOURDUR
Universe:
Enter Hours

[Go to HOURDUR]
[Go to STOPTIME]

TIME=1
[Go to MINDUR]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire
MINDUR
Universe:

TIME =1 AND HOURDUR=blank or valid entry

Enter Minutes [Go to STOPTIME]
STOPTIME
Universe:

All

*Instrument will calculate STOPTIME if HOURDUR and MINDUR have entries other than blank or Don’t Know.
*If there is a value for STARTIM, then interviewer should do the following:
Enter Time and AM or PM
WHO
Universe:

Not a personal activity and not an activity with a precode of 1, 2, 30, 31*

Who was with you? / Who accompanied you?
0. Alone
1—39. Household members and nonhousehold children
50. All household members
51. Parents
52. Other non-HH family members <18
53. Other non-HH family members 18 and older (including parents-in-law)
54. Friends
56. Neighbors, acquaintances
57. Other non-HH children < 18
58. Other non-HH adults 18 and older (including parents-in-law)
59. Boss or manager*
60. People whom I supervise*
61. Co-workers*
62. Customers*

[Go to WHERE]

*Note: WHO was not asked about work activities (corresponding to precodes 4 and 5) until
January 2010. Response options 59-62 were added to the WHO question at this time.

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire
WHERE
Universe:

Personal activity reported OR ACTIVITY ≠ Precodes 1, 2, 30, 31

Where were you while you were [ACTIVITY]?
PLACE
MODE OF TRANSPORTATION
1. DP's home or yard
30. Bank*
12. Car, truck, or motorcycle (driver)
2. DP's workplace
31. Gym/ Health Club* 13. Car, truck, or motorcycle (passenger)
3. Someone else's home
32. Post Office*
14. Walking
4. Restaurant/Bar
15. Bus
5. Place of worship
16. Subway/Train
6. Grocery store
17. Bicycle
7. Other store/Mall
18. Boat/Ferry
8. School
19. Taxi/Limousine Service
9. Outdoors away from home
20. Airplane
10. Library
21. Other (specify)
11. Other place (specify)
[If STOPTIME > 4 AM, go to S5: (Summary questions)]
[Else continue to next row]

*Note: Response options 30-32 were added to WHERE in mid-2004.
The following screenshots demonstrate how the WHO and WHERE questions are collected in
the instrument:
WHO Screenshot

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire
WHERE Screenshot

The following variable is not included in the diary grid. This question is asked only if the
respondent did not report any eating or drinking as a main activity for the 24-hour reporting day.
EATCK
Universe:

ACTIVITY ≠ Precode 7

You did not report any eating or drinking yesterday. Did you do any eating or drinking yesterday as your main
activity?
1. Yes
[Edit diary, go to S5: (Summary questions)]
2. No
[Go to S5: (Summary questions)]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire

S5: Summary Questions

Universe: Time-use Diary and Employment are complete
After the time diary is complete, the interviewer asks follow-up “summary questions” to obtain
additional information on secondary childcare, volunteer, and work and income-generating
activities. These series of questions are explained in the sequence that they appear in the
instrument (below).
Work and Income-generating Activities
During the diary portion of the interview, work activities reported as such are captured in a
straightforward way. The interviewer usually uses a pre-code of 4 or 5, the instrument
automatically filling the field with “work, main job” or “work, other job” as indicated. However,
some responses are not obviously work or income-generating activities, such as “reviewing tax
documents.” The summary questions below help to clarify which activities should be coded as
work or income-generating. Any other activities identified by the respondent as work or incomegenerating are marked with a “1” on the diary grid (see screenshot).
The interviewer first asks the respondent to identify any additional work activities that were done
for his or her job or business. If a respondent has more than one job, the question is asked about
both his or her main job, and his or her other job(s). Then, the interviewer asks about other
activities done to earn additional income, such as hobbies done for income.

Question text

Interviewer
Instructions

Summary
Question
Grid
Diary Grid

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire

In this section, skip patterns for some questions are driven by responses to the MJ variable (see
S3: (Employment)), indicating whether respondents have only one job (MJ=2) or more than one
job (MJ= 1).
PW1
Universe:

(MJ ≠ 1) AND (DP worked some hours during the week)

We are interested in measuring the amount of time people spend working both inside and outside their usual
workplace. You said that you were working from [start and stop time of worked at main job from time diary]
Were there any [other] activities that were done as part of your job or business?
Please do not include getting ready for work or commuting.
1. Activities done for job.
[Next line of grid][If no more entries go to PW2]
97. None/no more work activities.
[Go to PW2]
Don’t Know, Refused
[Next line of grid] [If no more entries go to PW2]
PWMJ1
Universe:
MJ = 1
We want to analyze how much time people commit to work both inside and outside their place of business. Of all
the activities you mentioned, which were done as part of your MAIN job [business]? Please do not include getting
ready for work or commuting.
1. Activities done for main job.
[Next line of grid] [If no more entries go to PWOJ1]
97. None/no more work activities.
[Go to PWOJ1]
Don’t Know, Refused
[Next line of grid] [If no more entries go to PWOJ1]
PWOJ1
Universe:

MJ = 1

You said that you were working for your OTHER job from [start and stop time of worked at other job from
time diary]. Were any of the [other] activities you mentioned done as part of your OTHER job [or business]?
1. Activities done for other job.
[Next line of grid] [If no more entries go to PW2]
97. None/no more work activities.
[Go to PW2]
Don’t Know, Refused
[Next line of grid] [If no more entries go to PW2]
PW2
Universe:

All

If HRUSL1 is empty: Sometimes people do things that bring in money like selling crafts or
babysitting. Were there any activities that you did yesterday that you were paid for or will be paid for?
If PW1, PWMJ1, or PWOJ1 =1: You told me about the activities that were done as part
of your job(s). Were there any other activities that you were paid for or will be paid for? Please do not
include paid breaks at work or paid time off.
* Read if necessary: This could include things like selling crafts or babysitting.
IF YES - Ask: Which ones?
1. Activities done for pay.
97. None/no more paid activities.
Don’t Know, Refused

[Next line of grid] [If last line, go to CC_LEAD]
[Go to CC_LEAD]
[Next line of grid] [If last line, go to CC_LEAD]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire
Secondary Childcare
Next, the interviewer asks questions to obtain information on secondary childcare, defined as
occurring when the DP had a child under age 13 in his or her care while doing other activities.
The interviewer also asks what time the first child under age 13 got up and what time the last
child under 13 went to bed.
In 2003, secondary childcare activities performed by the DP were captured separately for 1)
household and own nonhousehold children under 13, and 2) non-own nonhousehold children
under 13. After 2003, universes to the questions were altered so that separate measures could be
developed for time the DP spent providing secondary childcare to 1) own household children, 2)
non-own household children, 3) own nonhousehold children, and 4) non-own nonhousehold
children. Because the questions during and after 2003 were similar in structure, with differences
only in the universes, they are shown below only as they were asked in 2004 and after.
CC_LEAD
Universe:

All

If household roster includes children under 13 years of age: Now I'd like to talk with you in a little more detail
about childcare.
1. Enter 1 to continue

[If at least two household children < 13 then go to CC1]
[If one household child < 13 then go to CC2]

OR
If household roster does not include children under 13 years of age: Now I'd like to talk with you about
childcare. People often spend time with friends', neighbors' or relatives' children.
1. Enter 1 to continue.

CC1
Universe:

[If no household children < 13 and at least 1 nonhousehold child < 13 then go to CC6]
[Else go to CC8]

At least 2 household children < 13

I'd like you to think back over the day yesterday. Which child got up first yesterday?
*Display all names of household children in universe
*Read names, select all that apply separated by commas
1. [FNAME] [LNAME]
2. [FNAME] [LNAME]
3. [FNAME] [LNAME]
Don’t Know, Refused

[Go to CC2]
[Go to CC3]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire
CC2
Universe:

(CC1 ≠ Don’t Know, Refused) OR (only one household child <13)

At what time, yesterday, did [FNAME] [LNAME] get up?
1. Time in HH:MM format
Don’t Know, Refused

CC3
Universe:

[If 2 or more children < 13 listed in WHO column on time diary, go to CC3]
[If 2 or more children < 13 listed in WHO column on time diary and
CC2 =value with PM go to CC_CK]
[If 1 child < 13 listed in WHO column on time diary, go to CC4]

(CC1= Don’t Know, Refused) OR [(CC2 = Valid response) AND (At least 2 household
children <13)]

Which child or children went to bed last?
*Display names of household children in the universe
*Read names, select those that apply, separated by commas
1. [FNAME] [LNAME]
2. [FNAME] [LNAME]
3. [FNAME] [LNAME]
Don’t Know, Refused

CC4
Universe:

[Go to CC4]
[If at least one own household child <13, go to CC5]
[Else if no own household child <13,
but at least one non-own household child, then go to CC5B]

CC3 ≠ Don’t Know, Refused OR (At least 1 household child <13)

At what time did [FNAME] [LNAME] go to bed?
1. Time in HH:MM format
[If CC2 = value with AM go to CC_CK]
[If at least one own household child <13, go to CC5]
[Else if no own household child <13,
but at least one non-own household child, then go to CC5B]

CC5
Universe:

At least 1 OWN household child under 13

I'D LIKE TO ASK YOU ABOUT CHILDREN WHO LIVE WITH YOU. A child was awake between
[insert value from CC2] and [insert value from CC4]. At which times or during which activities during that time
period was/were [FNAME] [LNAME] in your care? (fills name(s) of all the DP’s own children under 13 in
the household)
* Probe: Any other times or activities?
1. Activities where child was in your care. [Go to next row]
96. All day.
97. None/no more childcare activities.
[If first row of CC5=97, or if no entries in CC5, go to CC5_CK]
Don’t Know, Refused
[If CC5= Don’t Know, Refused, go to next row]
[If no more rows or if CC5=96, 97 and at least one non-own household
child< 13, then go to CC5B]
[Else if no more rows or if CC5=96, 97and no own nonhousehold
children, go to CC8]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire

CC5_CK
Universe:

If first row of CC5=97 or no entries in CC5

The interviewer may clarify with the respondent that:
*No activities were selected even though there are own children in the household <13.
*Enter reason or use the arrow key to go back to correct
1. No secondary childcare activities
2. Respondent didn’t know
3. Respondent refused to answer
4. Child was away from home yesterday
5. Respondent was away from home yesterday [If at least 1 non-own household child <13, then go to CC5B]
[Else if at least 1 own nonhousehold child < 13, then go to CC6]
[Else if no own nonhousehold children <13, then go to CC8]

CC5B
Universe:

At least 1 NON-OWN household child under 13

NOW I'D LIKE TO ASK YOU ABOUT OTHER CHILDREN WHO LIVE WITH YOU. A child was awake
between [insert value from CC2] and [insert value from CC4]. At which times or during which activities
during that time period was/were [FNAME] [LNAME] in your care? (insert name(s) of non-own household
children in age of 0-12 years old)
* Probe: Any other times or activities?
1. Activities where child was in your care [Go to next row]
96. All day.
97. None/no more childcare activities.
[If first row of CC5B=97, or if no entries in CC5B, go to CC5B_CK]
Don’t Know, Refused
[If CC5B= Don’t Know, Refused, go to next row]
[If no more rows or if CC5B=96, 97 and at least one non-own
household child < 13, then go to CC6]
[Else if no more rows or if CC5=96, 97 and no own nonhousehold
children, go to CC8]
CC5B_CK
Universe:

If first row of CC5B=97 or no entries in CC5B

The interviewer may clarify with the respondent that:
*No activities were selected even though there are non-own children in the household <13.
*Enter reason or use the arrow key to go back to correct
1. No secondary childcare activities
2. Respondent didn’t know
3. Respondent refusal to answer
4. Child was away from home yesterday
5. Respondent was away from the home yesterday [If at least one own nonhousehold child < 13, then go to CC6]
[Else if no own nonhousehold children, then go to CC8]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire

CC6
Universe:

At least 1 OWN Nonhousehold child under 13

Now I’d like to ask you about YOUR children who don’t live with you. During any part of the day yesterday,
was/were [FNAME][LNAME] in your care? (insert name(s) of own, nonhousehold children under 13)
1. Yes
2. No
Don’t Know, Refused
CC7
Universe:

[Go to CC7]
[Go to CC8]

CC6 = 1

At which times or during which activities was/were [FNAME] [LNAME] in your care? (insert name(s) of
own, nonhousehold children under 13)
1. Activities where nonhousehold child was in your care. [Go to next row]
97. None/no more nonhousehold childcare activities.
Don’t Know, Refused
[If 97 in first row or no “1” in column, then
go to CC7_CK]
[Else If no more rows go to CC8]

CC7_CK
Universe:
If first row of CC7=97 or no entries in CC7
The interviewer may clarify that:
*No activities were selected even though DP said he or she had a nonhousehold child.
*Enter reason or use the arrow key to go back to correct.
1. No secondary childcare activities.
2. DP didn't know.
3. DP refused to answer.

CC8
Universe:

[Go to CC8]

ALL

If household roster includes children under 13 years of age: Other than [FNAME] [LNAME] during any
part of the day yesterday was a child who is 12 years old or younger in your care? Please do not include any paid
childcare. (fills household and own nonhousehold children’s names)
If household roster does not include children under 13 years of age: During any part of the day yesterday was
a child who is 12 years old or younger in your care? Please do not include any paid childcare.
IF YES - Ask:
When was that?
1. Activities where other child was in your care.
97. None/no more childcare activities.
Don’t Know, Refused

[Next line of grid] [If no more entries go to CC9]
[If 97 on first line of grid, go to V1]
[Else if entries of 1 prior to entry of 97 go to CC9]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire

CC9
Universe:

CC8 = 97 and/or entry of “1” in at least one column.

Is that child/are those children related to you?
1. Yes
2. No
3. Some are, some are not
[Go to V1]

Volunteering
Three summary questions identify which activities reported in the diary were done as part of
volunteering for or through an organization. The question text was derived from the CPS
volunteer supplement, the reference period being changed from one year to yesterday. Any
activity identified as done for or through an organization is marked with a “1” in V3.
V1
Universe:

All

Now I’d like to ask you about volunteer activities, that is, activities for which people are not paid, except perhaps
expenses. Yesterday, did you do any volunteer activities for or through an organization?
1. Yes
[Go to V3]
2. No
[Go to V2]
Don’t Know
[Go to V2]
Refused
[Go to ELDER_INTRO]
V2
Universe:

V1 = 2, Don’t Know

Sometimes people don't think of activities they do for schools, or youth, or religious organizations as volunteer
activities. Yesterday, did you volunteer for these or similar organizations?
1. Yes
[Go to V3]
2. No
[Go to ELDER_INTRO]
Don’t Know, Refused
[Go to ELDER_INTRO]
V3
Universe:

V1= 1 OR V2 =1

Which of the activities that you told me about were volunteer activities?
1. Volunteer activities.
97. None/no more volunteer activities.
Don’t Know, Refused

[Next line of grid] [If no more entries, go to ELDER_INTRO]
[Go to ELDER_INTRO]
[Next line of grid] [If no more entries, go to ELDER_INTRO]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire

S5a: Eldercare (2011 and later)

Universe: Summary Questions are complete
Following the summary questions, the interviewer asks a set of questions to identify whether or
not the respondent is an eldercare provider. The ATUS defines an eldercare provider as someone
who has provided unpaid care or assistance more than one time in the 3-4 months prior to the
interview day to a person who needed help because of a condition related to aging. If the
respondent is an eldercare provider, the interviewer collects information about the care
recipient’s age, relationship to the respondent, the duration of care, whether or not care was
provided yesterday, and if so, the activities done as care. Information about whether the
eldercare recipient lives in the same household as the respondent also is captured.
The eldercare questions were introduced in 2011. Prior to 2011, questions about trips away from
home were asked. The 2003-2010 ATUS questionnaire, which includes the trips questions, is
available online at www.bls.gov/tus/tuquestionnaire0310.pdf.
ELDER_INTRO
Universe:
All
The next set of questions are about times you may have recently spent assisting or caring for an adult who needed
help because of a condition related to aging. For example, as people grow older, it sometimes becomes difficult
for them to perform various activities without help – such as grooming, driving, managing the household, taking
medication or other common activities. Care may be provided in your home, their home, or at a care facility.
* Read if necessary
A condition related to aging is an ongoing ailment or physical or emotional limitation that typically affects older
people. Examples may include becoming more frail; having difficulty seeing, hearing, or physically moving;
becoming more forgetful; tiring more quickly; or specific medical ailments that are more common among older
adults. It also refers to existing conditions that become progressively worse as one ages.
1. Enter 1 to continue [Go to ELDER]
ELDER
Universe:

ELDER_INTRO = 1

Not including financial assistance or help you provided as part of your paid job, since the 1st of [fill= reference
month], have you provided any care or assistance for an adult who needed help because of a condition related to
aging?
*Reference month is three months prior to the interview date.
. 1. Yes
. 2. No
Don’t Know, Refused

[Go to ELFREQ]
[If DP laid off, go to LAYDT]
[If DP didn’t work but isn’t prevented from work, go to LK]
[If DP is prevented from working and AGE ≠ 15-49, go to Module or go to
S9: (Conclusion)]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire

ELFREQ
Universe:

ELDER = 1

How often did you provide this care?
*If the respondent volunteers that he/she cares for multiple individuals, the respondent should answer this question
based on the recipient for which he/she provides the most care.
*Items in bold read aloud.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Daily
Several times a week
About once a week
Several times a month
Once a month
One time
Other (specify)
Don’t Know, Refused

<6, Don’t Know, Refused>

ELFREQ_SP
Universe:

[Go to ELNUM]
[Go to ELNUM]
[Go to ELNUM]
[Go to ELNUM]
[Go to ELNUM]
[See below]
[Go to ELFREQ_SP]
[If DP laid off, go to LAYDT]
[If DP didn’t work but isn’t prevented from work, go to LK]
[If DP is prevented from working and AGE ≠ 15-49, go to Module or go to
S9: (Conclusion)]
[If DP is prevented from working and AGE = 15-49, Don’t Know, or Refused,
go to SCHENR]

ELFREQ = 7

*Specify
<250 characters>

ELNUM
Universe:

[Go to ELNUM]

(ELFREQ = 1-5) OR (entry in ELFREQ_SP)

Since the 1st of [fill = reference month], how many people have you provided this care to?
*Reference month is three months prior to the interview date.
<1-5, Don’t Know, Refused>

[Go to ELWHO]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire
The ELWHO, HHDUR, and HHYRS questions collect information about eldercare recipients
who live in the same household as the respondent. Age and relationship information for
household eldercare recipients is already known from the household roster (section 2), and thus
this information is not collected again.
ELWHO
Universe:

(ELNUM = 1-5, Don’t Know, or Refused)

Who did you give this care to? (*separate with commas)
[Fill = persons from household roster]
*Read if necessary: Does this person live in your household?
*Check all household members that apply OR press ENTER if person is not listed below to go to WHO_ELSE.
<2-32>
[Go to HHDUR]
< Don’t Know, Refused, Blank> [Go to WHO_ELSE]

HHDUR
Universe:

ELWHO = 2-32

How long have you provided care to [household member identified in ELWHO]?
1.
2.
3.
4.

0 to 5 months
6 to 11 months
1 year
More than one year

<1-3, Don’t Know, Refused>
<4>

HHYRS
Universe:

[If ELNUM > 1 and there is at least one nonhousehold care recipient, then go to
WHO_ELSE]
[Else go to ELCARE]
[Go to HHYRS]

HHDUR = 4

How many years?
<1-96, Don’t Know, Refused>

[If ELNUM > 1 and at least one nonhousehold care recipient, then go to
WHO_ELSE]
[Else go to ELCARE]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire
The WHO_ELSE question is the first of several questions that collect information about
eldercare recipients who do not live in the same household as the respondent. Relationship and
age information is collected for non-household eldercare recipients because, unlike those care
recipients living in the same household as the respondent, this information was not collected in
the household roster (section 2).
WHO_ELSE
Universe:

(ELNUM > number of persons selected in ELWHO) OR (ELWHO = Don’t Know, Refused,
Blank)

Who else/did you provide care to?
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
47.
48.
49.
56.

Mother
Father
Spouse
Partner
Brother
Sister
Mother-in-law
Father-in-law
Aunt
Uncle
Friend
Neighbor
Other (Valid option in 2011-12)
Grandmother/Great-grandmother*
Grandfather/Great-grandfather*
Other related person*
Other non-relative (Specify)*

*Note: Response options 47-56 were added to the WHO_ELSE question in January 2013 to better
match the relationship categories in the household roster.
ELWHO_SP
Universe:

(WHO_ELSE = 45)

*Specify.
<250 characters>
ELAGE
Universe:

[Go to ELAGE]

(At least one response for WHO_ELSE = 33-44, Don’t Know, or Refused) OR (entry in
ELWHO_SP)

If ELNUM = 1 then: What was his/her age on (fill: reference month) 1st?
Else: What was your (first person identified in WHO_ELSE)’s age on (fill: reference month) 1st?
*Reference month is three months prior to the interview date.
<1-120, Don’t Know, Refused> [Go to ELDUR]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire

ELDUR
Universe:

(ELAGE = 1-120, DK, or R)

How long have you provided care to him/her?
.
.
.
.

1. 0 to 5 months
2. 6 to 11 months
3. 1 year
4. More than one year
<1-3, Don’t Know, Refused>

<4>

ELYRS
Universe:

[If ELNUM > 1 and at least one nonhousehold care recipient’s age has not been
collected, go to ELAGE2]
[Else if ELNUM > 1 and at least one household care recipient’s duration of care
has not been collected, go to ELDUR2]
[Else go to ELCARE]
[Go to ELYRS]

ELDUR = 4

How many years?
<1-99, Don’t Know, Refused>

ELAGE2
Universe:

[If ELNUM > 1 and at least one nonhousehold care recipient’s age has not been
collected, then go to ELAGE2]
[Else if ELNUM > 1 and at least one household care recipient’s duration of care
has not been collected, go to ELDUR2]
[Else go to ELCARE]

[(ELDUR = 1-3, Don’t Know, Refused) AND (ELNUM > 1 and at least one nonhousehold
care recipient whose age has not been collected)] OR [(ELYRS = 1-99, DK, or R) AND
(ELNUM > 1 and at least one nonhousehold care recipient whose age has not been
collected)]

What was your (second person identified in WHO_ELSE)’s age on (fill: reference month) 1st?
*Reference month is three months prior to the interview date.
<1-120, DK, R>

[Go to ELDUR2]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire

ELDUR2
Universe:

[(ELDUR = 1-3, DK, or R) AND (at least one household care recipient whose duration of
care has not been collected)] OR [(ELYRS = 1-99, DK, or R) AND (at least one household
care recipient whose duration of care has not been collected)] OR (ELAGE2=1-120, DK, R)

How long have you provided care to him/her?
5.
6.
7.
8.

0 to 5 months
6 to 11 months
1 year
More than one year

<1-3, Don’t Know, Refused>

<4>

ELYRS2
Universe:

[If ELNUM > 1 and at least one nonhousehold care recipient’s age has not been
collected, go to ELAGE3]
[Else if ELNUM > 1 and at least one household care recipient’s duration of care
has not been collected, go to ELDUR3]
[Else go to ELCARE]
[Go to ELYRS2]

ELDUR = 4

How many years?
<1-99, Don’t Know, Refused>

[If ELNUM > 1 and at least one nonhousehold care recipient’s age has not been
collected, then go to ELAGE3]
[Else if ELNUM > 1 and at least one household care recipient’s duration of care
has not been collected, go to ELDUR3]
[Else go to ELCARE]

NOTE: Interviewers continue to ask ELAGE(3-5), ELDUR(3-5), and ELYRS(3-5) until the age
and duration of care information has been collected for each respondent identified in
WHO_ELSE for a total of up to five care recipients (household and non-household combined).
ELCARE
Universe:

[(ELDUR = 1-3, Don’t Know, or Refused) AND (ELNUM = 1)]
OR [(ELDUR = 1-3, Don’t Know, or Refused) AND (ELNUM > 1 and ages for all
nonhousehold care recipients have been collected and durations of care for all household
and nonhousehold care recipients have been collected)]
OR [(ELYRS = 1-99, Don’t Know, or Refused) AND (ELNUM = 1)] OR [[(ELYRS = 1-99,
Don’t Know, or Refused) AND (ELNUM > 1 and ages for all nonhousehold care recipients
have been collected and durations of care for all household and nonhousehold care
recipients have been collected)]

Did you provide any care or assistance yesterday?
. 1. Yes
. 2. No
Don’t Know, Refused

[Go to EC24]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire

EC24
Universe:

(ELCARE = 1)

At which times or during which activities did you provide that care or assistance yesterday?
* Enter 1 for all relevant activities.
* Enter 97 for none / no more activities.
*Enter 96 for all day.
* Use the up/down arrow keys, to move to the correct row.
1. Activities done as eldercare.
97. None/no more eldercare activities.
Don’t Know, Refused

[Next line of grid]
[If DP laid off, go to LAYDT]
[If DP didn’t work but isn’t prevented from work, go to LK]
[If DP is prevented from working and AGE ≠ 15-49, go to
Module or go to S9: (Conclusion)]
[If DP is prevented from working and AGE = 15-49, Don’t
Know, or Refused, go to SCHENR]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire

S7 (a): Labor Force Status: Layoff/Looking
Universe: DP is laid off

Next the interviewer asks questions to determine the DP’s labor force status. DPs who reported
being unemployed, on layoff, or disabled in S3: (Employment) are asked if and how they are
actively looking for work. Those who reported being on layoff are also asked if and when they
expect to be recalled to their jobs. In the ATUS, these questions are worded exactly as in CPS,
except that the CPS wording “last week” is replaced with “last seven days.”
Note: Some skip patterns refer to “modules.” A module is an additional set of questions about a
specific topic. Modules are not asked in every year.
LAYDT
Universe:

DP is laid off

Now I would like to ask a few more questions about the job you are on layoff from. Has your employer given you
a date to return to work?
1. Yes
[Go to LAYAVL]
2. No
Don’t Know, Refused
[Go to LAY6M]
LAY6M
Universe:

LAYDT = 2, Don’t Know, Refused

Have you been given any indication that you will be recalled to work within the next 6 months?
1. Yes
[Go to LAYAVL]
2. No
Don’t Know, Refused
[Go to LK]
LAYAVL
Universe:

LAYDT = 1 or LAY6M = 1

Could you have started a job in the LAST SEVEN DAYS, if one had been offered?
1. Yes
[Go to LAYLK]
2. No
[Go to LAYAVR]
Don’t Know, Refused
[Go to LAYLK]
LAYAVR
Universe:

LAYAVL = 2

Why is that?
1. Own temporary illness
2. Going to School
3. Other
Don’t Know, Refused

[Go to LAYLK]
[Enter verbatim response, go to LAYLK]
[Go to LAYLK]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire
LAYLK
Universe:

LAY6M = 1 or LAYDT = 1

Even though you expect to be called back to work, have you been looking for work during the last 4 weeks?
1. Yes
2. No
Don’t Know, Refused
[If age ≠ 15-49, Don’t Know, Refused go to Module
OR go to S9: (Conclusion)]
[If DP is prevented from working and age =15-49, go to SCHENR]
LK
Universe:

LAY6M = 2, Don’t Know, Refused or DP didn’t work and (didn’t have a disability
that prevented DP from working or DP indicated retired but wanted a job full or
part time)
Now I would like to ask you a few questions about your job search activities. Have you been doing anything to
find work during the last 4 weeks?
1. Yes
[Go to LKM1]
2. No
3. Retired
[If age ≠ 15-49, go to Module OR go to S9: Conclusion]
[Else if age = 15-49, Don’t Know, Refused, go to SCHENR]
4. Disabled
5. Unable
Don’t Know, Refused

DIS1d
Universe:

[If DIS1a or DIS1b or DIS1c = blank and LK = 4, then go to DIS1d]
[If DIS2a or DIS2b or DIS2c and LK = 5, then go to DIS2d]
[If age ≠ 15-49, go to Module OR go to S9: (Conclusion)]
[Else if age =15-49, Don’t Know, Refused go to SCHENR]

DIS1a or DIS2a or DIS1b or DIS2b or DIS1c or DIS2c = blank and LK = 4

Does your disability prevent you from accepting any kind of work during the next six months?
1. Yes
2. No
Don’t Know, Refused
[If age ≠ 15-49, go to Module OR go to S9: (Conclusion)]
[Else if age =15-49, Don’t Know, Refused go to SCHENR]
DIS2d
Universe:

DIS1a or DIS2a or DIS1b or DIS2b or DIS1c or DIS2c = blank and LK = 5

Do you have a disability that prevents you from accepting any kind of work during the next six months?
1. Yes
2. No
Don’t Know, Refused
[If age ≠ 15-49, go to Module OR go to S9: (Conclusion)]
[Else if age =15-49, Don’t Know, Refused go to SCHENR]

41

American Time Use Survey Questionnaire
For the variable LKM, the interviewer follows the pattern described below for up to six
iterations, if necessary.
LKM1-LKM6
Universe for LKM1:
Universe for LKM2-6:

LK = 1
LKM1-LKM5 = 1-11, 13

What are all of the things you have done to find work during the last 4 weeks?
* Do not read answer categories
ACTIVE
1. Contacted employer directly/interview
2. Contacted public employment agency
3. Contacted private employment agency
4. Contacted friends or relatives
5. Contacted school/university/employment center
6. Sent out resumes/filled out applications
7. Check union/professional registers
8. Placed or answered ads
9. Other active
PASSIVE
10. Looked at ads
11. Attended job training programs/courses
12. Nothing
13. Other passive
14. Don’t Know
15. Refused
97. No additional answers

[Go to LKM2] [Else if on LKM6, then go to LKAVL]
[Enter verbatim response, then go to LKM2]
[Go to LKM2]
[If LKM1 – LKM5 = 10, 11, 13, then go to LKPS1]
[Else go to LKAVL]
[Go to LKDK1]
[Enter verbatim response, then go to LKM2]
[Go to LKDK1]
[If age ≠ 15-49, go to Module OR go to S9: (Conclusion)]
[Else if age =15-49, Don’t Know, Refused go to SCHENR]
[If LKM1 – LKM5 = 10, 11, 13, then go to LKPS1]
[Else go to LKAVL]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire

For the variable LKDK, the interviewer follows the pattern described below for up to six
iterations, if necessary.
LKDK1-LKDK6
Universe for LKDK1:
Universe for LKDK2-LKDK6:

LKM1 = Don’t Know, 12
LKDK1-5= 1-11, 13

You said you have been trying to find work. How did you go about looking?
* Do not read answer categories
ACTIVE
1. Contacted employer directly/interview
2. Contacted public employment agency
3. Contacted private employment agency
4. Contacted friends or relatives
5. Contacted school/university/employment center
6. Sent out resumes/filled out applications
7. Check union/professional registers
8. Placed or answered ads
[Go to LKDK2]
9. Other active
[Enter verbatim response, then go to LKDK2]
[Else if on LKDK6, enter verbatim and then go to LAKVL]
PASSIVE
10. Looked at ads
[Go to LKDK2]
11. Attended job training programs/courses
[Go to LKDK2]
[If LKDK6 and if LKDK1 –LKDK5 = 10, 11, 13 then:
[If age ≠ 15-49, go to Module OR go to S9: (Conclusion)]
[Else if age =15-49, Don’t Know, Refused go to SCHENR]
[Else go to LKAVL]]
12. Nothing

[If age ≠ 15-49, go to Module OR go to S9: (Conclusion)]
[Else if age = 15-49, Don’t Know, Refused go to SCHENR]

13. Other passive

[Enter verbatim response, then go to LKDK2]
[Else if LKDK6, enter verbatim and then go to LAKVL]

14. Don’t Know, Refused

[If age ≠ 15-49, go to Module OR go to S9: (Conclusion)]
[Else if age =15-49, Don’t Know, Refused go to SCHENR]

97. No additional answers

[If LKDK6 and if LKDK1 –LKDK5 = 10, 11, 13 then:
[If age ≠ 15-49, go to Module OR go to S9: (Conclusion)]
[Else if age =15-49, Don’t Know, Refused go to SCHENR]
[Else go to LKAVL]]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire

For the variable LKPS, the interviewer follows the pattern described below for up to six
iterations, if necessary.
LKPS1-LKPS6
Universe for LKPS1:
Universe for LKPS2-LKPS6:

The DP reported a passive job search activity, and/or refused to answer
questions about job search activities.
LKPS1-LKPS5=1-11, 13

Can you tell me more about what you did to search for work?
* Do not read answer categories
ACTIVE
1. Contacted employer directly/interview
2. Contacted public employment agency
3. Contacted private employment agency
4. Contacted friends or relatives
5. Contacted school/ university/ employment center
6. Sent out resumes/filled out applications
7. Check union/ professional registers
8. Placed or answered ads
[Go to LKPS2]
[Else if LKPS6, go to LKAVL]
9. Other active
[Enter verbatim, then go to LKPS2]
PASSIVE
10. Looked at ads
[Go to LKPS2]
11. Attended job training programs/ courses

[If LKPS6 and if LKPS1 – LKPS5 = 10, 11, 13, then:
[If age ≠ 15-49, go to Module OR go to S9: (Conclusion)]
[Else if age = 15-49, Don’t Know, Refused, go to SCHENR]
[Else go to LKAVL]]

12. Nothing

[If age ≠ 15-49, go to Module or go to S9: (Conclusion)]
[Else if age = 15-49, Don’t Know, Refused, go to SCHENR]

13. Other passive

[Enter verbatim, then go to LKPS2]
[If on LKPS6, then enter verbatim and go to LKAVL]

14. Don’t Know, Refused

[If age ≠ 15-49, go to Module or go to S9: (Conclusion)]
[Else if age = 15-49, Don’t Know, Refused, go to SCHENR]

97. No additional answer

[If LKPS6 and if LKPS1 – LKPS5 = 10, 11, 13, then:
[If age ≠ 15-49, go to Module OR go to S9: (Conclusion)]
[Else if age = 15-49, Don’t Know, Refused go to SCHENR]
[Else go to LKAVL]]

LKAVL
Universe:

The DP reported an active job search activity.

LAST WEEK, could you have started a job if one had been offered?
1. Yes
[Go to next section]
2. No
[Go to LKAVR]
Don’t Know, Refused
[If age ≠ 15-49, go to Module OR go to S9: (Conclusion)]
[Else if age = 15-49, Don’t Know, Refused go to SCHENR]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire

LKAVR
Universe:

LAYAVL = 2

Why is that?
1. Waiting for new job to begin
2. Own temporary illness
3. Going to school
4. Other (Specify)
Don’t Know, Refused

[If age ≠ 15-49, go to Module OR go to S9: (Conclusion)]
[Else if age = 15-49, go to SCHENR]
[Enter verbatim, then:
[If age ≠ 15-49, go to Module OR go to S9: (Conclusion)]
[Else if age = 15-49, go to SCHENR]]
[If age ≠ 15-49, go to Module OR go to S9: (Conclusion)]
[Else if age = 15-49, go to SCHENR]

45

American Time Use Survey Questionnaire

S7 (b): Labor Force Status: Employed
Universe: DP is employed

Next, the interviewer updates information on the DP’s job title and description, and the industry
in which the DP works, using questions unchanged from the CPS. If the DP’s job has changed
since the final CPS interview, the job title, description, and industry are all updated. If the
interviewer confirms that the DP’s job title, description, and industry have not changed, then the
ATUS continues to a section on Earnings and School Enrollment.
IO_LEAD
Universe:

DP worked

Now I have a few questions about [your job/your main job/the job from which you are absent.]
1. Enter 1 to continue. [If DP is employed in ATUS, but MLR=3-7 in CPS, go to IO1INT]
[Else if DP is employed in ATUS and CPS, but employer name or industry were
missing, go to IO1INT]
[Else if DP employed in both ATUS and CPS, and employer name was not blank, go to
IODP1]
IODP1
Universe:

DP is employed and employer name was not blank

Last time we talked to someone in this household, that would be [month of final CPS interview] it was reported
that you worked for [Employer name]. Do you still work for [Employer name] [at your main job]?
1. Yes
[If CPS industry code was previously missing, go to IO1IND]
[If CPS occupation code was previously missing, go to IO1OCC]
[Else go to IODP2]
2. No
[Go to IO1INT]
Don’t Know, Refused
[Go to IO1INT]
IODP2
Universe:

IODP1 = 1

Have the usual activities and duties of your job changed since [month of final CPS interview]?
1. Yes
[Go to IO1OCC]
2. No
Don’t Know, Refused
[If CPS occupation code was previously missing, go to IO1OCC]
[If CPS usual job activities were previously missing, go to IO1OCC]
[If CPS weekly earnings were allocated, go to
S8: (Earnings and School Enrollment)]
[Else go to IODP3]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire
IODP3
Universe:

(IODP2 = 2, Don’t Know, or Refused) AND
(Industry and Occupation codes entered in CPS)
AND (Usual job activities entered in CPS)

Last time we talked to someone in this household, you were reported as (a/an) [CPS occupation] and your usual
activities were [CPS usual job activities]. Is this an accurate description of your current job?
1. Yes
[Go to S8: (Earnings and School Enrollment)]
2. No
[Go to IO1OCC]
Don’t Know, Refused
[Go to S8: (Earnings and School Enrollment)]
IO1INT
Universe:

In ATUS DP works AND [(MLR=3-7 in CPS)
OR (Employer name missing in CPS)]
OR IODP1 = 2, Don’t Know, Refused

Are you employed by government, by a private company, a non-profit organization or are you self-employed
[or working in a family business]?
1. Government
[Go to IO1GVT]
2. Private for-profit company
3. Non-profit organization
[Go to IO1NMP]
4. Self-employed
5. Working in family business
[Go to IO1INC]
Don’t Know, Refused
[Go to IO1NMP]
IO1GVT
Universe:

IO1INT = 1

Would that be the federal, state or local government?
1. Federal
2. State
3. Local (county, city, township)
Don’t Know, Refused
[Go to IO1NMG]
IO1INC
Universe:

IO1INT = 4, 5

Is this business incorporated?
1. Yes
2. No
Don’t Know, Refused

[Go to IO1NMB]
[Go to IO1NMB]
[Else if [BUS = 1 AND ((BUS2 ≠ 1)
OR (there is only one household member))], go to IO1WP]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire
IO1WP
Universe:

IO1INC = 2, Don’t Know, Refused AND [BUS =1 AND ((BUS2 ≠1) OR (only one household
member))]

Were you working for pay?
1. Yes
2. No
Don’t Know, Refused
IO1NMP
Universe:

[Go to IO1NMB]

IO1INT = 2, 3, Don’t Know, Refused

What is the name of the [company/non profit organization] for which you work [at your main job]?
1. Enter name
IO1NMG
Universe:

[Go to IO1IND]

IO1GVT = 1-3, Don’t Know, Refused

What is the name of the government agency for which you work [at your main job]?
1. Enter name
[Go to IO1IND]
IO1NMB
Universe:

IO1INC = 1, 2, Don’t Know, Refused

What is the name of your business? What is the name of the business for which you work?
1. Enter name
[Go to IO1IND]
IO1IND
Universe:

(IODP1 = 1 AND CPS industry code was previously missing)
OR IO1NMP, IO1NMG, or IO1NMB = valid response

What kind of business or industry is this?
* Read if necessary: What do they make or do where you work?
1. Enter
[Go to IO1MFG]
Don’t Know, Refused
[Go to IO1OCC]
IO1MFG
Universe:

IO1IND ≠ Don’t Know, Refused

Is this business or organization mainly manufacturing, retail trade, wholesale trade, or something else?
1. Manufacturing
2. Retail trade
3. Wholesale trade
4. Something else
Don’t Know, Refused
[Go to IO1OCC]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire

IO1OCC
Universe:

Industry and Occupation codes missing in CPS AND [(DP’s usual job duties have changed
since CPS) OR (DP’s usual job activities have not changed)]
OR Occupation, Industry and job activities not correct in CPS
OR IO1IND = Don’t Know, Refused
OR IO1MFG = 1-4, Don’t Know, Refused

What kind of work do you do, that is what is your occupation?
(For example: plumber, typist, farmer)
1. Enter verbatim response
Don’t Know, Refused
[Go to IO1DT1]
IO1DT1
Universe:

IO1OCC = Verbatim response, Don’t Know, Refused

What are your usual activities or duties at this job?
(For example: types, keeps account books, files, sells cars, operates printing press, lays bricks)
1. Enter verbatim response
Don’t Know, Refused
[Go to S8: (Earnings and School Enrollment)]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire

S8: Earnings and School Enrollment
Universe: All

For those who changed jobs or employers since the final CPS interview, or whose weekly
earnings were imputed in the CPS, the interviewer collects data on the DP’s earnings, including
any overtime. Based on responses to several questions about earnings, the instrument calculates
the DP’s usual weekly earnings, which is confirmed by the DP.
Finally, all DP’s between ages 15 and 49 are asked about school enrollment status.
Note: Some skip patterns refer to “modules.” A module is an additional set of questions about a
specific topic. Modules are not asked in every year.
ERNP
Universe:

DP changed jobs or employers since CPS
OR DP was not employed in CPS, but employed in ATUS
OR DP's weekly earnings were allocated in CPS

This month I have a few questions about earnings.
1. Enter 1 to continue.
ERNPR
Universe:

[Go to ERNPR]

All

For your [main] job, what is the easiest way for you to report your total earnings BEFORE taxes or other
deductions: hourly, weekly, annually, or on some other basis?
* If necessary: We use this information to compare the amount that people earn in different types of jobs.
1. Hourly
2. Weekly
3. Bi-weekly
4. Twice monthly
5. Monthly
6. Annually
[Go to ERNUOT]
7. Other (specify)
[Enter verbatim response, then go to ERNUOT]
Don’t Know
[Go to ERNUOT]
Refused
[If age is 15 – 49, Don’t Know, Refused, go to SCHENR]
[Else go to Module OR go to S9: (Conclusion)]
ERNUOT
Universe:

ERNPR = 1-7, Don’t Know or verbatim response entered.

Do you usually receive overtime pay, tips, or commissions [at your main job]?
1. Yes
2. No
Don’t Know, Refused
[If ERNPR = 1, go to ERNHRT]
[Else if ERNPR = 2-7, or Don’t Know then go to ERNWK2]

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American Time Use Survey Questionnaire
ERNHRT
Universe:

ERNPR = 1

If ERNUOT =1: EXCLUDING overtime pay, tips and commissions what is your hourly rate of pay on [this/your
main] job?
IF ERNUOT ≠ 1: What is your hourly rate of pay on [this/ your main] job?
1. Enter verbatim response
[Go to ERNHR]
Don’t Know
[Go to ERNHRE]
Refused
[If age 15-49, Don’t Know, Refused, go to SCHENR]
[Else if age ≠ 15-49 go to Module OR go to S9: (Conclusion)]
ERNHRE
Universe:

ERNHRT = Don’t Know

What is your best estimate of your hourly rate of pay?
1. Enter verbatim response
[Go to ERNHR]
Don’t Know, Refused
[If age = 15-49, Don’t Know, Refused go to SCHENR]
[Else if age ≠ 15-49 go to Module OR go to S9: (Conclusion)]
ERNHR
Universe:

ERNHRT = verbatim response OR ERNHRE = verbatim response

How many hours do you usually work per week at this rate?
1. Enter response
[If ERNUOT = 1, go to ERNOTP] [Else go to ERNVR1]
Don’t Know, Refused
[If HRUSL1 = Don’t Know, Hours Vary, Refused, go to ERNWK2]
[Else if ERNUOT = 1 AND HRUSL1=1-99, go to ERNOTP]
[Else go to ERNVR1]
ERNOTP
Universe:

ERNUOT = 1 AND (HRUSL1 = 1 – 99 and ERNHR = 1-99, Don’t Know, Refused)

[At your main job] How much do you usually receive JUST in overtime pay, tips or commissions, before taxes or
other deductions?
*Enter periodicity first.
1. Per hour
2. Per day
3. Per week
4. Per month
5. Per year
[Go to ERNOTA]
6. Other
Don’t Know
[Go to ERNOTE]
Refused
[If age = 15 – 49, Don’t Know, Refused, go to SCHENR]
[Else if age ≠ 15-49 go to Module OR go to S9: (Conclusion)]

51

American Time Use Survey Questionnaire

ERNOTA
Universe:

ERNOTP = 1 - 5

Enter Dollar Amount
1. Enter response

ERNOTE
Universe:

[If ERNOPT = 1, go to ERNOH] [If ERNOTP = 2, go to ERNOTE]
[If ERNOTP =3, 4, 5, go to ERNVR1]

ERNOTP = 6, Don’t Know OR (ERNOTA = verbatim response and ERNOTP = 2)

What is your best estimate of how much you usually earn weekly, JUST in overtime pay, tips, or commissions,
before taxes or other deductions?
1. Enter verbatim response
[Go to ERNVR1]
Don’t Know, Refused
[IF age = 15 – 49, Don’t Know, Refused, go to SCHENR]
[Else if age ≠ 15-49 go to Module OR go to S9: (Conclusion)]
ERNOH
Universe:

ERNOTP = 1 AND ERNOTA = verbatim response

How many hours do you usually work per week at this rate?
1. Enter verbatim response
[Go to ERNVR1]
Don’t Know
[Go to ERNOHE]
Refused
[If age =15-49, Don’t Know, Refused, Go to SCHENR]
[Else if age ≠ 15-49 go to Module OR go to S9: (Conclusion)]
ERNOHE
Universe:

ERNOH = Don’t Know

What is your best estimate of the number of hours per week you usually work at this rate?
1. Enter response
[Go to ERNVR1]
Don’t Know, Refused
[IF age = 15 – 49, Don’t Know, Refused go to SCHENR]
[Else if age ≠ 15-49 go to Module OR go to S9: (Conclusion)]

52

American Time Use Survey Questionnaire

ERNVR1
Universe:

DP reported rate of pay, and timing of pay and does not earn overtime, tips or wages
OR DP earns overtime, tips or wages, and reported amount of pay, and timing of pay

I have estimated your usual WEEKLY earnings [for your main job] as [HWKRN] before taxes or other deductions.
Does that sound correct?
1. Yes
[If age = 15 – 49, Don’t Know, Refused go to SCHENR]
[Else if age ≠ 15-49 go to Module OR go to S9: (Conclusion)]
2. No
Don’t Know

Refused

[Verify information and correct error]
[If age = 15 – 49, Don’t Know, Refused, go to SCHENR]
[Else if age ≠ 15-49 go to Module OR go to S9: (Conclusion)]
[If age = 15 – 49, Don’t Know, Refused, go to SCHENR]
[Else if age ≠ 15-49 go to Module OR go to S9: (Conclusion)]

If the DP responds that the calculated earnings are incorrect in ERNVR1, the ATUS instrument
then goes through a series of variables to identify and correct the problem, then re-verifies the
DP’s earning information. This process is repeated until the earnings are correctly reported.
SCHENR
Universe:

Age = 15 – 49, Refused but > 15, Don’t Know, Refused

I just have a few more questions.
Are you enrolled in a high school, college, or university?
* Enter "1" if currently on holiday or school break.
* Enter "2" for summer vacation from school.
1. Yes
[Go to SCHLVL]
2. No
Don’t Know, Refused
[Go to Module OR go to S9: (Conclusion)]
SCHLVL
Universe:

SCHENR = 1

Would that be high school, college, or university?
1. High school
2. College or university
Don’t Know, Refused
[Go to SCHFT]
SCHFT
Universe:

SCHLVL = 1, 2, Don’t Know, Refused

Are you enrolled in school as a full-time or part-time student?
1. Full-time
2. Part-time
[Go to Module OR go to S9: (Conclusion)]

53

American Time Use Survey Questionnaire

S9: Conclusion

This section of the interview is used to close out the case.
THANKYOU
Universe:

Non-incentive households

Thank you for your time.
THANKYOU
Universe:

Incentive households

The PIN to activate your ATM debit card is [CARD_ID]. We have prepaid the ATM access fees for your card.
The card was designed to be used one time only, so please withdraw all the money in one transaction by
[EXPIRATION DATE].
Finally, the card can only be used withdrawing the approved funds at an ATM -- it can't be used to pay for things,
like at the grocery store or at the gas station pump.
If you have any questions or problems activating the card, the telephone number to call is on the front of the card.
Again, thank you.

After the interview is complete, the interviewer answers two data quality questions.
INTDQUAL
Universe:

All completed interviews

Is there any reason the information from this interview should NOT be used?
1. Yes
[Go to DQUAL2]
2. No
DQUAL2
Universe:

INTDQUAL = 1

Why do you think the data should not be used?
1. I feel the respondent was intentionally providing wrong answers
2. I feel the respondent was trying to provide correct answers, but could not correctly remember his/ her activities
on the previous day
3. I feel the respondent deliberately reported very long duration activities
4. Other

54



---

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