Survey of Consumer Attitudes and Behavior, January 1997

This survey 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
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, and the national business situation. Additional
questions probe buying intentions for automobiles and computers, and
the respondent's appraisals of present market conditions for
purchasing houses, automobiles, computers, and other durables. Also
explored in this survey were respondents' types of savings and
financial investments, family income, and sources of income. Other
variables probed respondents' use of a personal computer at home
and in the office, gasoline costs, and their ownership, lease, and
use of automobiles. Demographic information includes ethnic origin,
sex, age, marital status, and education.