Over a 2-month period from April to May 2002, the Office of Planning and Statistics,
which was renamed the Economic Policy, Planning and Statistics Office (EPPSO), of the
Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), conducted a Household Income and Expenditure
Survey (HIES) from April 1 until mid-May. The staff selected four sample areas of
Majuro, Ebeye, Jaluit and Likiep. The selection of these sample areas was judgmental
and was based on choosing the largest population centers (Majuro and Ebeye) and then
two other areas that were logistically feasible to reach in conducting the survey and were
in the middle of the islands that were ranked by population.
This survey used two types of survey methods to gather data. For the more expensive
and less frequently purchased items, such as major appliances, electronic goods, new and
used vehicles, etc., a pre-printed, survey questionnaire was completed by an interviewer.
For those items, which are more frequently purchased, such as food, tobacco, drinks, etc.,
the household respondent was given a diary to record all purchases during a one-week
period.