ABSTRACT

Input-output (I-O) analysis is one of the most durable methods in the field of regional science. Despite well-known theoretical and empirical problems, input-output continues to thrive and grow. Perhaps this is due to the flexibility and descriptive power of input-output analysis. The transactions table tells how the regional economy works. A questionnaire is necessary whether the data is obtained by mail or personal interview. The general principles are brevity and clarity. It should have lots of explanatory notes and definitions of terms. Data for the 1985 Kansas I-O study was collected by mailed questionnaire (small firms) and personal interviews (large firms). About eight graduate and undergraduate students participated as interviewers. Training sessions were held prior to any interviewing. The sessions included instruction in I-O analysis, how to respond to likely questions, and how to act and dress.