[Federal Register: August 25, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 164)]
[Notices]               
[Page 45267-45268]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr25au98-103]

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-M