Examine the BLS document entitled: "How the Government Measures Unemployment." (Hint: because of the size of this document, you may wish to use your browser's search feature to locate keywords.)

Questions

1. Can an individual be unemployed, but not eligible for unemployment compensation?
2. How often is CPS data collected?
3. Is an individual on maternity or paternity leave considered to be unemployed? Are they in the labor force?
4. What is the distinction between active and passive job search? Which is required for an individual to be considered unemployed?
5. Suppose that a student who is not currently working sends out several applications for a job that will start after graduation. If this student is not currently availabe for work, is this student considered to be unemployed?
6. How is the category of "discouraged workers" defined?
7. Why are unemployment rates seasonally adjusted?
8. Why is it difficult to measure underemployment?