[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 164 (Tuesday, August 25, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45267-45268]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-22770]
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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection;
Comment Request Title of Collection: Survey of Public Attitudes Toward
and Understanding of Science and Technology (OMB Control No. 3145-0033)
AGENCY: National Science Foundation.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-13 (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), and as part of its continuing effort to reduce
paperwork and respondent burden, the National Science Foundation (NSF)
is inviting the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on
this proposed information collection.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Call or write F. Neville Withington
for a copy of the collection instrument and instructions at NSF Reports
Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Blvd. Suite
295, Arlington, VA 22230; call (703) 306-1125, x2004; or send email to
fwithing@nsf.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
1. Abstract
The proposed continuing information collection is a survey used to
monitor public attitudes towards science and technology, including the
public's level of scientific understanding and policy preferences on
selected issues. This telephone survey has been conducted approximately
every two years for more than 20 years, and the information collected
with it appears in the congressionally-mandated National Science Board
biennial report, Science and Engineering Indicators, and other
publications. Information on public attitudes and understanding of
science and technology is used by government and nongovernment policy
makers in developing and designing science and education programs and
by researchers in government, industry, and academia. The proposed
collection will occur in early 1999.
2. Expected Respondents
The survey will be conducted by telephone. Using state-of-the-art,
computer-assisted telephone interviewing software and random digit
dialing, approximately 2000 adults will be contacted and asked a series
of questions designed to measure their attitudes towards science and
technology and their understanding of scientific concepts.
3. Burden on the Public
The estimated respondent burden is 1000 hours. This estimate is
based on the completion of 2000 telephone interviews with an average
length of 30 minutes each.
Comments Requested
DATES: NSF should receive written comments on or before October 26,
1998.
ADDRESSES: Submit written comments to Ms. Withington through surface
mail (NSF Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201
Wilson Blvd. Suite 295, Arlington, VA. 22230); email
(fwithing@nsf.gov); or fax (703-306-0250).
Special Areas for Review
NSF especially requests comments on:
1. whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for
the proper performance of the functions of the
[[Page 45268]]
Agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility;
2. the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden of the
proposed collection of information;
3. ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the
information to be collected; and
4. ways to 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, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.
Dated: August 20, 1998.
F. Neville Withington,
Acting NSF Reports Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 98-22770 Filed 8-24-98; 8:45 am]
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