[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 197 (Friday, October 9, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 64168-64169]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-22462]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Bureau of Labor Statistics


Information Collection Activities; Comment Request

AGENCY: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor.

ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment.

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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. 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. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is soliciting 
comments concerning the proposed extension of ``Cognitive and 
Psychological Research.'' A copy of the proposed information collection 
request 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 December 8, 2020.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to Nora Kincaid, BLS Clearance Officer, 
Division of Management Systems, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Room 4080, 
2 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20212. Written comments also 
may be transmitted by email to [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nora Kincaid, BLS Clearance Officer, 
telephone number 202-691-7628 (this is not a toll free number). (See 
ADDRESSES section.)

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    The Bureau of Labor Statistics' Behavioral Science Research Center 
(BSRC) 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 BSRC 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 BSRC 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 
greater 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

    Office of Management and Budget clearance is being sought for 
``Cognitive and Psychological Research.'' The purpose of this request 
for clearance by the BSRC 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 BSRC was created to aid in this 
effort and it has demonstrated the effectiveness and value of its 
approach. Over the next few years, demand for BSRC consultation is 
expected to remain high 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 
BSRC is uniquely equipped with both the skills and facilities to 
accommodate these demands.
    The extension of the accompanying clearance package reflects an 
attempt to accommodate the increasing interest by BLS program offices 
and other agencies in the methods used, and the results obtained, by 
the BSRC. This package reflects planned research and development 
activities for FY2021 through FY2023, 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.

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.
     Minimize the burden of the collection of information on 
those who are to respond, including through the

[[Page 64169]]

use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other 
technological collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology, e.g., permitting electronic submissions of responses.
    Title of Collection: Cognitive and Psychological Research.
    OMB Number: 1220-0141.
    Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.
    Affected Public: Individuals and Households, Private Sector.
    Total Respondents: 8,133.
    Frequency: One time.
    Total Responses: 8,133.
    Average Time per Response: 20.66 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 2,800 hours.
    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 6th day of October 2020.
Eric Molina,
Acting Chief, Division of Management Systems.
[FR Doc. 2020-22462 Filed 10-8-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-24-P