Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request

AGENCY:

National Science Foundation.

ACTION:

Submission for OMB review; comment request.

SUMMARY:

Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), and as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, the National Science Foundation (NSF) is inviting the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on this proposed continuing information collection. This is the second notice for public comment; the first was published in the Federal Register at 65 FR 50019 and no comments were received. NSF is forwarding the proposed renewal submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance simultaneously with the publication of this second notice.

DATES:

Comments regarding these information collections are best assured of having their full effect if received by OMB before January 3, 2001.

ADDRESSES:

Written comments regarding (a) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of NSF, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of NSF's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; or (d) ways to 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 should be addressed to: Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs of OMB, Attention: Desk Officer for National Science Foundation, 725-17th Street, NW., Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503, and to Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 295, Arlington, Virginia 22230 or send email to splimpto@nsf.gov. Copies of the submission may be obtained by calling (703) 292-7556.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Suzanne H. Plimpton, NSF Reports Clearance Officer at (703) 292-7556 or send email to splimpto@nsf.gov.

An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title of Collection: Survey of Public Attitudes Toward and Understanding of Science and Technology (OMB Control No. 3145-0033).

1. Use of the information. The proposed continuing information collection is a survey used to monitor public attitudes towards science and technology, including the public's level of scientific understanding and policy preferences on selected issues. This telephone survey has been conducted approximately every two years for more than 20 years, and the information collected with it appears in the Congressionally mandated National Science Board biennial report, Science and Engineering Indicators, and other pubications. Information on public attitudes and understanding of science and technology is used by government and nongovernment policy makers in developing and designing science and education programs and by researchers in government, industry, and academia. The proposed collection will occur in early 2001.

2. Expected respondents. The survey will be conducted by telephone. Using state-of-the-art, computer-assisted telephone interviewing software and random digit dialing, approximately 2000 adults will be contacted and asked a series of questions designed to measure their attitudes toward science and technology and their understanding of scientific concepts.

3. Burden on the public. The estimated respondent burden is 1000 hours. This estimate is based on the completion of 2000 telephone interviews with an average length of 30 minutes each.