[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 157 (Wednesday, August 14, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 53028-53029]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing 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

[[Page 53029]]

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]
BILLING CODE 4510-24-P