I am looking for a variable in IPUMS -CPS which provides information in the job search methods used by unemployed. These variables only provide one job search method used, but an individual can use several job search methods at once. I have therefore two questions
- What is the difference between these methods used to define these variables- UH_LKM1_B1, UH_LKM2_B1, UH_LKM3_B1,…, UH_LKM6_B1?
- Were can I find a variable that provide information on the job search method used by the unemployed individuals?
Thank you!
The unharmonized variables UH_LKM1_B1 through UH_LKM6_B1 each report information provided by respondents about job search methods. The first variable, UH_LKM1_B1, reports the first job search method unemployed respondents said they used to look for work. Then, if the respondent said they used a second method to search for work, that method is reported in UH_LKM2_B1, and so on, up to a maximum of six job search methods per respondent. The numbers one through six refer to the order in which respondents reported the methods, not to the methods themselves. The specific method the respondent reported using is indicated by the codes and value labels. See the codes section of UH_LKM1_B1, or any of the six variables:
If a respondent, for instance, has UH_LKM1_B1=3, and UH_LKM2_B1=8, and UH_LKM3_B1=-1, this indicates that they searched for work using two methods: contacting a private employment agency, and placing or answering ads. They did not use more than two methods, since the third job search method variable is blank (-1).
These variables allow you to determine multiple job search methods for each unemployed respondent who is looking for work.
Thank you so much for clarifying! This helps.