Survey of Consumer Attitudes and Behavior, Fall 1953: Purchase Decisions

This survey was undertaken to assess consumer sentiment and buying plans, as well as purchase decisions for durable household goods. Open-ended questions were asked concerning evaluations and expectations about personal finances, employment, recession, price changes, the world political situation, and the national business situation. Additional variables probe respondents' buying intentions for a house, automobiles, appliances, and other consumer durables, and the respondents' appraisals of present market conditions for purchasing houses and other durables. Other questions were asked about respondents' assessments of their financial status relative to the previous year and in the immediate future, and their political party identification. Demographic variables provide information on age, sex, race, marital status, education, family income, and employment.