Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Current Population Survey (CPS) Basic Demographic Items
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Census Bureau wants to hear people's thoughts about a survey they do every month to learn more about jobs and the people living in the country. They promise the survey is quick and won't cost money, but some people might wonder if it's really that fast or if there are hidden costs like needing the internet.
Summary AI
The Census Bureau, part of the Department of Commerce, is inviting comments from the public and other federal agencies regarding their plan to continue collecting basic demographic information as part of the Current Population Survey (CPS). This survey has been providing important data on employment and demographics for over 70 years. The Bureau aims to minimize the reporting burden and improve the quality and clarity of the information collected. Public comments will help evaluate the necessity and effectiveness of the survey, which is conducted monthly through interviews, and responses are voluntary.
Abstract
The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment on the proposed reinstatement without change of the Current Population Survey Basic Demographics as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, prior to the submission of the information collection request (ICR) to OMB for approval.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document in question is an initiative by the Census Bureau, under the Department of Commerce, seeking public and federal agency comments on the continuation of collecting basic demographic information through the Current Population Survey (CPS). This survey has been instrumental for over 70 years in gathering data mainly used to determine employment statistics within the United States.
General Summary
The overarching goal of this notice is to solicit public feedback regarding the continuation and potential improvement of the CPS. The survey, conducted monthly, involves collecting demographic data through interviews, with voluntary participation from respondents. The information gathered from this survey supports the production of official government statistics about employment and helps in assessing other social and economic metrics.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Data Transparency: One notable concern is the lack of specificity regarding the exact types of data collected beyond broad categories like age, marital status, and income. Greater transparency would assure the public of the survey's intent and scope.
Indirect Costs: The document states there is no financial cost to respondents besides their time. However, it does not address potential indirect costs, such as those associated with internet access or travel to participate in interviews.
Technology Access Contingencies: Although the survey utilizes "computer-assisted interviewing," there is no mention of accommodations for those without access to such technology, potentially excluding a segment of the population.
Time Burden Estimates: The estimated time for each response is 1.5 minutes. Considering the breadth of demographic data collected, this estimate might be overly optimistic, potentially underreporting the time burden placed on participants.
Complex Language: Some sections, particularly those discussing legal authority and the request for comments, use complex language that may not be easily comprehensible to the general public.
Impact on the Public
The document pertains to the collection of demographic data, which is crucial for crafting policies and conducting socio-economic assessments. The impact on the public is mostly passive unless individuals actively choose to engage in the comment process or participate in the survey. The benefits are indirect yet significant, as the data help shape policy decisions that ultimately affect the populace.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Respondents: The primary stakeholders are the survey respondents, who may experience minimal disruption, given the voluntary nature and brief time commitment claimed by the document. However, it is paramount for the Census Bureau to address concerns about the indirect costs and ensure inclusivity in participation.
Researchers and Policymakers: They may benefit significantly from the CPS data, as it offers a rich resource for understanding employment trends and other demographic characteristics vital for policy formulation.
Agencies and Organizations: Other federal agencies and organizations relying on accurate demographic data will be directly impacted by any changes or enhancements made to the CPS process based on public feedback.
The agency is keen on minimizing respondent burden while ensuring the quality and utility of the collected data, emphasizing the role of public comments in shaping the survey's approach. This illustrates the importance of public participation in ensuring the efficacy and fairness of government-initiated surveys.
Issues
• The document could be clearer on what specific data are collected in the CPS beyond the broad categories mentioned, to ensure transparency.
• The document specifies there is no cost to respondents other than their time, but does not clarify if indirect costs, such as those for maintaining internet access or travel to provide interviews, have been considered.
• The method of collection section mentions 'computer-assisted interviewing' but does not specify if there are contingencies for individuals without access to technology.
• The estimated time per response is listed at 1.5 minutes, which seems brief for collecting demographic data, potentially leading to underestimation of the time burden.
• Language could be simplified to make the document more accessible to the general public, particularly sections detailing legal authority and the request for comments.