I requested to download the 2017, 2015, 2013, and 2011 CPS samples. Upon downloading and running a frequency of the variable ‘year’, I noticed that ‘2016’ is included in the sample. I double-check my original data submission and I had not requested 2016. Any thought(s) as to why this is the case? Thanks!
It turns out that by deafult a coupld of monthly samples were also elected.
In a recent update to IPUMS CPS a number of the most recent basic monthly samples from 2016 and 2017 were made “default” samples. So, without deselecting these samples, they will be added into your extract. I will let the IPUMS CPS team know that you found this confusing as we are always trying to improve ease of use and overall user experience.
I also am running into this issue and am very frustrated. I even deselected the other years, but when I plug the data in, the wrong years are always selected.
It sounds like this is related to your IPUMS CPS data file including samples other than those you intended. Note that IPUMS CPS applies a default sample selection that provides access to the most recent months of the basic monthly survey data as well as the most recent years of the ASEC. My best guess is that you are inadvertently retaining some or all of the default samples in your extract. After each extract, the default samples are reselected, so I would recommend making sure that you deselect the ‘All Default Samples’ checkbox on the Select Samples page prior to making each extract (see screenshot below). If you are manually de-selecting samples, note that both the ASEC and Basic Monthly tabs have their own pre-selected default samples, so you will need to deselect default samples in both tabs. You can view your extract summary before submitting your request for a custom data file to confirm only your desired samples are included, and are also able to change samples on this Extract Request page.
