Survey of Consumer Attitudes and Behavior, October 1998

The Survey of Consumer Attitudes and Behavior (also known as the Surveys of Consumers) series was undertaken to measure changes in consumer attitudes and expectations, to understand why these changes occur, and to evaluate how they relate to consumer decisions to save, borrow, or make discretionary purchases. Since the late 1940s, these surveys have been produced quarterly through 1977 and monthly thereafter. The surveys conducted in 1998 focused on topics such as evaluations and expectations about personal finances, employment, price changes, and the national business situation. Additional questions inquired about buying intentions for automobiles and computers, and the respondents' 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, loan use, family income and sources of income, and respondents' ownership, lease, and use of automobiles. Additionally, questions measuring the health and mental health of respondents were asked. Demographic information includes ethnic origin, sex, age, marital status, and education.