Comparing retrospective and panel data collection methods to assess labor market dynamics

Table 1 Patterns of unemployment reporting as reported in 1998 or 2006 versus 2012 retrospective data for 1998 or 2006, individuals reporting contemporaneous unemployment in 2006 or 1998 and present in 2012

Comparison to retrospective data	Dist. (%) 1998	% less than 6 months 1998	Mean current unemp. dur. 1998	Dist. (%) 2006	% less than 6 months 2006	Mean current unemp. dur. 2006
Aligned	9	23	26	13	16	31
Unemployed within 1 year ±	1	0	22	5	5	24
Unemployed within 2–5 years ±	7	12	33	12	9	38
Unemployed more than 5 years ±	11	8	31	7	7	46
Never unemployed but have a fourth status	6	15	35	4	27	31
Never unemployed no fourth status	65	22	41	59	22	29
Total	100	19	37	100	18	32
N	261	261	261	443	443	443