Go to the Web site of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRED) (research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/).
a. Find the most recent values for these four variables: (1) Unemployment Level - Men (LNS13000001), (2) Unemployment Level - Women (LNS13000002), (3) Civilian Labor Force Level - Men (LNS11000001), and (4) Civilian Labor Force Level - Women (LNS11000002). Are these data reported annually, quarterly, or monthly? What units are these values reported in?
b. Using the values you found in part (a), calculate the unemployment rate for men and the unemployment rate for women.
c. Explain why some people are considered discouraged workers. What will happen to the unemployment rate if there is an increase in discouraged workers?