[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 140 (Friday, July 19, 1996)] [Notices] [Pages 37768-37769] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 96-18380] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Bureau of Labor Statistics Proposed Collections; Comment Request; 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 addressee section of this notice. DATES: Written comments must be submitted to the office listed in the addressee section below on or before September 17, 1996. BLS is particularly interested in comments which help the agency to: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 [[Page 37769]] other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submissions of responses. ADDRESSES: Send comments to Karin G. Kurz, BLS Clearance Officer, Division of Management Systems, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Room 3255, 2 Massachusetts Avenue N.E., Washington, D.C. 20212. Ms Kurz can be reached on 202--606-7628 (this is not a toll free number). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background The Bureau of Labor Statistics' Behavioral Science Research Laboratory (BSSRL) conducts cognitive psychological research in design and execution of the data collection process in order to improve the quality of data collected by the Bureau. BSRL conducts research aimed at improving data collection quality by assessing questionnaire and form management and administration, as well as issues which relate to interviewer training and interaction with respondents in the interview process. BSRL staff work closely with the economists and/or program specialists responsible for defining the concepts to be measured by the Bureau's collection programs. Questionnaire and forms are used in the Bureau's surveys. Questionnaires specify the preferred wording of the questions to be asked, whereas forms specify the data items to be collected. Each possesses distinctive problems, which in many cases can be related to respondent characteristics, survey content, or format of administration. Such problems impede the effectiveness of particular surveys and the mission of the Bureau in general. II. Current Actions The purpose of this request for clearance for cognitive and psychological research and development activities by the BSRL is to enhance the quality of the Bureau's data collection procedures and overall data management. The basic goal of the BSRL is to improve through interdisciplinary research the quality of the data collected and published by the BLS. BLS is committed to producing the most accurate and complete data within the highest quality assurance guidelines. With this in mind, the BSRL was created to aid in the effort of not only maintaining, duty also improving the quality of the data collection process. 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 or households. Total Respondents: 3000. Frequency: One-time. Total Responses: 3000. Average Time Per Response: 1 Hour. Estimated Total Burden Hours: 3000 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, D.C., this 11th day of July, 1996. Peter T. Spolarich, Chief, Division of Management Systems, Bureau of Labor Statistics. [FR Doc. 96-18380 Filed 7-18-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510-24-M