To be presented at the American Statistical Association Meetings, August 1993.

This paper reports the general results of research undertaken by Census Bureau staff. The views expressed are attributable to the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Census Bureau.

The goal of the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) has been to provide policy makers with accurate and comprehensive information about the economic situation of persons and households in the noninstitutionalized U.S. population. Over the years, budget constraints dictated a reduction in the SIPP panel size. As data from the reduced panels became available, analysts found it more difficult to conduct meaningful analysis of government programs for the low income population. In response to analysts concerns about the diminished usefulness of the SIPP data to meet its goal, the Census Bureau pursued (1) various budget initiatives to increase the sample to its original size and (2) oversampling of the low income population. (King, 1990a.)

This paper describes the oversample design for the 1990 SIPP panel which the Census Bureau introduced in February through May 1990 and interviewed through June to September 1992. It examines the effectiveness of this oversample design in reaching the SIPP goal. Results of this paper can provide guidance to organizations considering to oversample.