Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed New Information Collection Activity; Comment Request, Proposed Study Entitled “National Study of Interpersonal Violence Experienced by Young Adults”
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Justice Department wants to study young adults to learn about the types of violence they may face, like bullying or mean behavior from partners, by asking lots of questions. They want people's ideas on how to make sure this study is useful and fair.
Summary AI
The Department of Justice's National Institute of Justice is seeking public comments on a new study called the “National Study of Interpersonal Violence Experienced by Young Adults.” This study aims to understand interpersonal violence experienced by young adults, both in college and not, by surveying 17,000 individuals aged 18-24 over six years. The study explores various types of violence, including intimate partner violence and stalking, and aims to help identify protective factors and improve support services for victims. Public comments are encouraged until March 6, 2025, to provide feedback on the necessity and effectiveness of this information collection.
Abstract
The Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs, National Institute of Justice, is submitting the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document in question is a notice from the Department of Justice's National Institute of Justice, seeking public input on a proposed information collection activity. This document outlines an upcoming study entitled the "National Study of Interpersonal Violence Experienced by Young Adults." The study's primary goal is to gather data on interpersonal violence encountered by young adults, specifically focusing on individuals between the ages of 18 to 24. By targeting both college students and non-students, the study aims to capture a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence and impact of different forms of interpersonal violence, including intimate partner violence, nonconsensual sexual contact, and stalking. The study will also explore risk factors and protective measures, aiming to inform future prevention strategies and victim support services.
Significant Issues or Concerns
One significant concern highlighted in the document is the expected response rate of only 55%, which is relatively low. This low response rate might undermine the reliability and validity of the data collected, potentially skewing the study's findings. Another issue is the relatively small size of the pilot study; with only 168 respondents expected to fully complete the questionnaire, there are questions about the representativeness of the sample. This could limit the generalizability of the pilot study's findings to the broader population of young adults.
Additionally, the document references an "innovative emphasis on identifying risk and protective factors" without clearly explaining what makes this approach innovative compared to existing research efforts. More detailed explanations could provide stakeholders with a better understanding of the study's unique contributions. There is also a lack of transparency regarding the selection of Westat and its partners for the implementation of the project, which could raise concerns about fairness in the awarding process.
Impact on the Public and Stakeholders
For the general public, this study has the potential to provide valuable insights into the nature and causes of interpersonal violence among young adults, a critical safety and public health issue. By identifying risk and protective factors, the study could help shape more effective prevention strategies and support services, ultimately benefiting society by reducing incidents of violence and aiding victims in recovery.
For specific stakeholders, particularly young adults between the ages of 18 to 24, this study could have significant positive impacts. Those affected by interpersonal violence might benefit from improved victimization services informed by the study's findings. Educational institutions and policymakers could also use the research to inform policies and programs designed to create safer environments for young adults.
On the other hand, potential concerns about data collection methods, response rates, and transparency might negatively affect stakeholders' trust in the study's outcomes. Ensuring the study methodology is robust and well-communicated can alleviate some of these concerns. Furthermore, clarity in communication—such as simplifying technical terms like "longitudinal panel survey" and details about the data collection process—will be essential for maintaining public engagement and understanding.
Issues
• The estimated response rate of 55% is quite low, potentially affecting the reliability and validity of the data collected.
• The justification for the $567 burden hours should be more explicit; specifically, a breakdown of the associated costs could better assess whether it is reasonable and not wasteful.
• There might be concerns regarding the representativeness of the sample given the smaller pilot study size (only 168 respondents fully completing the questionnaire); this could limit the generalizability of the pilot study findings.
• The language around 'innovative emphasis on identifying risk and protective factors' is vague and could benefit from further clarification detailing why this approach is innovative and how it adds significant value over existing research.
• There's potential favoritism implied in awarding the implementation project to a specific organization (Westat) and its partners without detailed explanation of the selection process.
• Terms like 'longitudinal panel survey' and 'micro assessments' might be complex for a general audience; more accessible explanations of these terms could be beneficial.
• Further detail is needed on the technological methods and infrastructure (e.g., 'electronic, mechanical') planned for data collection to determine their appropriateness and efficiency.