[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 184 (Monday, September 22, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Page 54623]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-22084]


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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 extension 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 October 22, 2008.

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, telephone number 
202-691-7628. (This is not a toll free number.)

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nora Kincaid, 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

    Office of Management and Budget clearance is being sought for 
``Cognitive and Psychological Research.'' 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 20 years it has demonstrated the effectiveness 
and value of its approach. Over the next few years, demand for BSRL 
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 BSRL 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 BSRL. This package reflects planned research and development 
activities for FY2009 through FY2011, 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:
    <bullet> 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.
    <bullet> 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.
    <bullet> Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected.
    <bullet> 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.
    Type of Review: Extension 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 Annual Burden Hours: 1,200 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 17th day of September 2008.
Cathy Kazanowski,
Chief, Division of Management Systems, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
[FR Doc. E8-22084 Filed 9-19-08; 8:45 am]
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