[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 157 (Wednesday, August 14, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 53028-53029]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-20613]
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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 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
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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.
[FR Doc. 02-20613 Filed 8-13-02; 8:45 am]
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