Hi, I hope you are doing well! I have a question that if it is feasible to combine monthly cross sectional data with the same individual identifier and link the monthly data for longitudinal use?
Specifically, is the individual identifier consistent across the monthly data?
The variable CPSIDV is a validated person identifier that links individuals across CPS samples. The links are validated using RACE, SEX, and AGE. Validating links is necessary because when individuals in the CPS move, they are not followed to their new dwellings. The unvalidated CPS linking variables CPSID (for households) and CPSIDP (for persons) also link respondents across samples, but these links sometimes result in linkages of different persons or households, in the event that a person or household moved during the CPS observation period. You can read more about the CPS sample design and why some longitudinal links will link different individuals on this page.
As you mentioned in your email, we offer pre-linked longitudinal data files for ASEC samples. These linked data files use CPSIDP rather than CPSIDV, so you may want to validate links yourself when using these files.
Note that when CSPIDP, CPSID, or CPSIDV are equal to 0, this indicates that a respondent or household cannot be linked because they were part of the ASEC oversample.