Overview
Title
Information Collection Activities; Comment Request
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Bureau of Labor Statistics wants to hear what people think about a survey called the American Time Use Survey, which asks folks how they spend their time, like working or playing. They want to make sure it's easy for people to answer, like making sure the questions are not too hard or long.
Summary AI
The Bureau of Labor Statistics, part of the Department of Labor, is seeking public comments on the continuation of the American Time Use Survey (ATUS). This survey collects data on how people in the United States use their time, including work, childcare, and leisure activities. Comments are requested to ensure the data collected remains useful and that the survey minimizes the burden on those who take part. The deadline for submitting comments is May 27, 2025.
Abstract
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 without change of the "American Time Use Survey." A copy of the proposed information collection request can be obtained by contacting the individual listed below in the Addresses section of this notice.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), part of the Department of Labor, seeks public feedback on the proposed continuation of the American Time Use Survey (ATUS). This survey collects detailed information on how individuals in the United States allocate their time across various activities, such as work, childcare, and leisure pursuits. The aim of this notice is to invite comments to ensure the survey's data collection is efficient and minimally burdensome to participants. Interested parties have until May 27, 2025, to submit their feedback.
Significant Issues
A notable issue with the document is its lack of specificity regarding the organizations or individuals that directly benefit from the collection of this data. Identifying these stakeholders is crucial to understanding any potential biases or favoritism inherent in the survey's continuation. Additionally, the document does not provide a financial breakdown of conducting the ATUS, leaving budgetary efficiency and potential waste unaddressed.
The document employs some technical language, particularly concerning the "Office of Management and Budget clearance," that may not be readily accessible to the general public. This could hinder the ability of lay readers to fully engage with the content or contribute informed commentary.
Public Impact
Broadly speaking, the collection of time use data offers significant insights into societal trends and behaviors. This information can help shape public policies, influence economic strategies, and inform educational and healthcare frameworks. However, the lack of detailed information on the implementation of public feedback may limit the effectiveness of the survey's refinement process. Public understanding might also be affected by the document's declaration that all comments will become public record, potentially discouraging some individuals from sharing their views.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For researchers, policymakers, and economists, the continuation of the ATUS promises useful data to analyze labor trends, economic contributions, and quality of life indicators stemming from non-market activities. However, the document stops short of explicitly outlining these benefits, which could have strengthened its appeal and shown its practical utility.
There is also inadequate explanation of how data is gathered through Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews, which might leave potential respondents uncertain about their participation and interaction with survey technologies. Clearer communication on this matter would likely enhance respondent engagement.
Conclusion
While the BLS's call for public comment on the ATUS is an important step toward ensuring efficient and meaningful data collection, the document could benefit from greater transparency and clarity. Addressing issues such as cost breakdown, clearer explanations of technical terminology, and more detailed descriptions of public and stakeholder impact would likely lead to more robust engagement and feedback. This, in turn, could enhance the survey's utility and benefit a wider segment of society.
Issues
• The document does not specify any specific organizations or individuals that benefit from the information collection, which is important to assess for potential bias or favoritism.
• There is no detailed breakdown of the financial costs associated with conducting the American Time Use Survey, making it difficult to evaluate potential wasteful spending.
• The document uses some government-specific language and references, such as 'Office of Management and Budget clearance,' that may not be immediately clear to all public readers without additional explanation.
• The document could provide more clarity on how feedback from the public will be implemented to minimize the burden of collection of information.
• The document states that all comments will become a matter of public record, but does not explain the implications of this status, which may deter some individuals from commenting.
• The explanation of how the ATUS data is collected via a 'Computer Assisted Telephone Interview' could be expanded to clarify what this entails for respondents, especially considering the use of technology in data collection.
• The potential impact or benefits of the survey data for specific sectors or demographics are not explicitly outlined, which may help in evaluating its practical utility.