[Federal Register: September 22, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 184)]
[Notices]
[Page 54623]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr22se08-73]
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Proposed Collection; Comment Request
ACTION: Notice.
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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 extension 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 of this notice on or before October 22, 2008.
ADDRESSES: Send comments to Nora Kincaid, BLS Clearance Officer,
Division of Management Systems, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Room 4080,
2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE., Washington, DC 20212, telephone number
202-691-7628. (This is not a toll free number.)
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nora Kincaid, BLS Clearance Officer,
telephone number 202-691-7628. (See ADDRESSES section.)
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
The Bureau of Labor Statistics' Behavioral 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, the interaction between interviewer and respondent in the
interview process, and the usability of data-collection instruments by
both interviewers and respondents. 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. Current Action
Office of Management and Budget clearance is being sought for
``Cognitive and Psychological Research.'' The purpose of this request
for clearance by the BSRL is to conduct cognitive and psychological
research designed to enhance the quality of the Bureau's data
collection procedures and overall data management. The BLS is committed
to producing the most accurate and complete data within the highest
quality assurance guidelines. The BSRL was created to aid in this
effort and over the past 20 years it has demonstrated the effectiveness
and value of its approach. Over the next few years, demand for BSRL
consultation is expected to remain high as approaches are explored and
tested for dealing with increasing nonresponse in key Bureau surveys.
Moreover, as the use of Web-based surveys continues to grow, so too
will the need for careful tests of instrument design and usability,
human-computer interactions, and the impact of multiple modes on data
quality. The BSRL is uniquely equipped with both the skills and
facilities to accommodate these demands.
The extension of the accompanying clearance package reflects an
attempt to accommodate the 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 FY2009 through FY2011, and 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.
III. 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.
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.
Type of Review: Extension 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: 1,200.
Frequency: One time.
Total Responses: 1,200.
Average Time per Response: 60 minutes.
Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 1,200 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 17th day of September 2008.
Cathy Kazanowski,
Chief, Division of Management Systems, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
[FR Doc. E8-22084 Filed 9-19-08; 8:45 am]
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