This paper examines the potential of data on job exits and job-to-job transitions from a new source--the 1986 Panel of the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP). These data are more detailed than data from alternative sources, which means they allow analysis of more detailed research questions. However, this detail also means that using the data is more complicated. The labor market content of the data set and major measurement issues involved in its use are discussed here. Thereafter, first-round findings from an ongoing study of job exits-and job-to-job transitions using SIPP are presented. of particular interest are findings on sensitivity to measurement decisions. In short, seemingly minor changes in definition and measurement can produce very different pictures of the frequency and nature of turnover in the United States.

Support for this research from the National Science Foundation (SES 90-103-07) is gratefully acknowledged.