02-20613. Proposed Collection; Comment Request

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre-clearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA95) [44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)]. This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. Currently, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is soliciting comments concerning the proposed revision of the “Cognitive and Psychological Research.” A copy of the proposed information collection request (ICR) can be obtained by contacting the individual listed below in the Addresses section of this notice.

DATES:

Written comments must be submitted to the office listed in the Addresses section below on or before October 15, 2002.

ADDRESSES:

Send comments to Amy A. Hobby, BLS Clearance Officer, Division of Management Systems, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Room 3255, 2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE., Washington, DC 20212, telephone number 202-691-7628 (this is not a toll free number).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Amy A. Hobby, BLS Clearance Officer, telephone number 202-691-7628. (See ADDRESSES section.)

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

The Bureau of Labor Statistics' (BLS) Behavior Science Research Laboratory (BSRL) conducts theoretical, applied and evaluative research aimed at improving the quality of data collected and published by the Bureau. Since its creation in 1988, the BSRL has advanced the study of survey methods research, approaching issues of non-sampling error within a framework that draws heavily on the theories and methods of the cognitive, statistical and social sciences. The BSRL research focuses primarily on the assessment of survey instrument design and survey administration, as well as on issues related to interviewer training, and on the interaction between interviewer and respondent in the interview process. Improvements in these areas result in better accuracy and response rates of BLS surveys, frequently reduce costs in training and survey administration, and further ensure the effectiveness of the Bureau's overall mission.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

The Bureau of Labor Statistics is particularly interested in comments that:

• Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;
• Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;
• Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
• Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submissions of responses.

III. Current Action

The purpose of this clearance request by the BSRL is to conduct cognitive and psychological research for the purpose of enhancing the quality of the Bureau's data collection and data management procedures. The BLS is committed to producing the most accurate and complete data under high quality assurance guidelines. For the past 15 years, research conducted by the BSRL has led to substantial improvements in BLS estimates and procedures. Over the next few years, demand for BSRL consultation is expected to rise, as information processing approaches to survey methods research become even more common and visible. In addition, as data collection methods involving computers and web-based surveys become increasing wide-spread, careful instrument design and testing will be required. The BSRL is uniquely equipped with both the skills and facilities to accommodate these demands.

The revisions in the accompanying clearance package reflect an attempt to accommodate an increasing interest by BLS program offices and other agencies in the methods used, and the results obtained, by the BSRL. This package reflects planned research and development activities for FY2003 through FY2005. Its approval will enable the continued productivity of a state-of-the-art, multi-disciplinary program of behavioral science research to improve BLS survey methodology.

Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.

Agency: Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Title: Cognitive and Psychological Research.

OMB Number: 1220-0141.

Affected Public: Individuals and households.

Total Respondents: 4,000.

Frequency: One time.

Total Responses: 4,000.

Average Time Per Response: 60 minutes.

Estimated Total Burden Hours: 4,000 hours.

Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $0.

Total Burden Cost (operating/maintenance): $0

Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for Office of Management and Budget approval of the information collection request; they also will become a matter of public record.

Signed at Washington, DC, this 30th day of July, 2002.

Jesus Salinas,

Acting Chief, Division of Management Systems, Bureau of Labor Statistics.