The seam effect is a well-known phenomenon associated with longitudinal surveys, such as the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP). The "seam" derives its name from the abutment of consecutive survey reference periods, about which survey enumerators collect various kinds of information in interviews. The "seam effect" is observed when the information collected for the end of one reference period (based on one interview) is compared to the information collected for the beginning of the next reference period (based on another interview). Survey researchers have found that there is a tendency for a greater amount of change in information to be reported at the seams of reference periods than within reference periods.

Others in Series

Working Paper

The Seasonality of Moving: An Analysis of Data from the SIPP

August 1993

The Census Bureau has been collecting and tabulating data on residential mobility for almost 150 years.

Working Paper

Modeling Food Stamp Participation in the Presence of Reporting Errors

August 1993

Validation study of reported program participation by Marquis and Moore (1990) reveals a bias due to net under-reporting of Food Stamp Program.

Working Paper

Where's Papa? Fathers' Role in Child Care

1993

This report will examine the role that the father played as a child care provider during the recent economic recession.

Related Information

Survey of Income and Program Participation Working Papers

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