[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 159 (Wednesday, August 16, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 50029-50030]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-20834]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Notice of Intent to Seek Approval to Reinstate an Information 
Collection

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Notice and Request for Comments.

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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.

DATES: Written comments on this notice must be received by October 16, 
2000, to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date 
will be considered to the extent practicable.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports 
Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard,

[[Page 50030]]

Suite 295, Arlington, Virginia 22230; telephone (703) 292-7556; or send 
email to [email protected]. Individuals who use a telecommunications 
device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay 
Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern 
time, Monday through Friday. You also may obtain a copy of the data 
collection instrument from Ms. Plimpton.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:   
    Title of Collection: Survey of Public Attitudes Toward and 
Understanding of Science and Technology.
    OMB Approval Number: 3145-0033.
    Expiration Date of Approval: April 30, 2000.
    Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to reinstate an 
information collection for three years.
    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 2001.

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.

 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: Comments are invited on: (a) whether the proposed 
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of 
the functions of the Agency, including whether the information shall 
have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of 
the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to 
enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be 
collected; and (d) 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 11, 2000.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
NSF Reports Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 00-20834 Filed 8-15-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-M