[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 172 (Wednesday, September 7, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 53255-53256]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-17690]


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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

[[Page 53256]]

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 of this notice on or before November 7, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to Amy A. Hobby, 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: Amy A. Hobby, 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

    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 17 years it has demonstrated 
the effectiveness and value of its approach. Over the next few years, 
demand for BSRL consultation is expected to remain in demand 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 revisions in the accompanying clearance package reflect 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 FY2006 through FY2008, 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.
    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: 1,200.
    Frequency: One time.
    Total Responses: 1,200.
    Average Time Per Response: 60 minutes.
    Estimated Total Burden Hours: 1,200 hours.
    Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $0.
    Total Burden Cost (operating/maintenance): $0.

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; 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.
    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 26th day of August, 2005.
Kimberley Hill,
Acting Chief, Division of Management Systems, Bureau of Labor 
Statistics.
[FR Doc. 05-17690 Filed 9-6-05; 8:45 am]
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