0000-new-ss-b-5-10 - Uaf

Supporting Statement for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions

Study of Sharing to Assess Community Resilience

OMB Control Number 1010-xxxx

Current Expiration Date: mo/day/year

B. Collection of Information Employing Statistical Methods

The agency should be prepared to justify its decision not to use statistical methods in any case where such methods might reduce burden or improve accuracy of results. When statistical methods are employed, the following documentation should be included in the Supporting Statement to the extent that it applies to the methods proposed.

1. Describe (including a numerical estimate) the potential respondent universe and any sampling or other respondent selection method to be used. Data on the number of entities (e.g., establishments, State and local government units, households, or persons) in the universe covered by the collection and in the corresponding sample are to be provided in tabular form for the universe as a whole and for each of the strata in the proposed sample. Indicate expected response rates for the collection as a whole. If the collection had been conducted previously, include the actual response rate achieved during the last collection.

The project will conduct a census of households in three villages of Alaska. The total number of households is approximately 349. While it is impossible to predict response rate, every effort will be made to build a complete database requiring no statistical generalization. Previous studies undertaken by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and using a similar methodology successfully interviewed 85-90 percent of total households in four Alaskan villages (Magdanz et al. 2004). Information aggregates will be based upon the actual response rate.

2. Describe the procedures for the collection of information including:

(a) Statistical methodology for stratification and sample selection.

(b) Estimation procedure.

(c) Degree of accuracy needed for the purpose described in the justification.

(d) Unusual problems requiring specialized sampling procedures.

(e) Any use of periodic (less frequent than annual) data collection cycles to reduce burden.

No statistical methods are used for sample selection, as the entire population of households will be studied. We have a target response rate of 90 percent of village households, as this level is necessary to conduct statistically valid social network analyses.

3. Describe methods to maximize response rates and to deal with issues of non-response. The accuracy and reliability of information collected must be shown to be adequate for intended uses. For collections based on sampling, a special justification must be provided for any collection that will not yield “reliable” data that can be generalized to the universe studied.

The heads of all potential households will be invited to participate as respondents in the survey. Where appropriate and possible, we will interview the two heads of households (male and female), but we will accept one if that is all that is available. Posters describing the project will be hung at key gathering places of the community. Multiple meetings with tribal and other local organization leaders will present information about the project. A formal MOU will be established with the community. A pre-survey workshop will be conducted to enlist the help from key community knowledge holders in the design of the study. A flyer describing the project will be distributed to each household before we initiate the survey. We will enlist the support of local tribal council people and other leaders to facilitate this process, and a steering committee of interested and well-respected individuals will be formed in each community to help in publicizing the goals of the project. Each interview will start with an introductory statement describing the project’s goals and outcomes, and the interviewers will answer questions to explain these goals. A language translator will be provided if requested by the respondent. A compensation of $50/hour, not to exceed $100 will be offered to each household. Anonymity will also be assured for each respondent and it will be clearly indicated that participation in all or any part of the interview is voluntary.

4. Describe any tests of procedures or methods to be undertaken. Testing is encouraged as an effective means of refining collections of information to minimize burden and improve utility. Tests must be approved if they call for answers to identical questions from 10 or more respondents. A proposed test or set of tests may be submitted for approval separately or in combination with the main collection of information.

A pretest of the study instrument was performed in all three communities during the 2008 to 2009 academic year, with a total of not more than nine interviews completed. Based on pretests the interview form was refined. This work is also reviewed and coordinated with each community’s respective regional organization (North Slope Borough Wildlife Department and Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments).

5. Provide the name and telephone number of individuals consulted on statistical aspects of the design and the name of the agency unit, contractor(s), grantee(s), or other person(s) who will actually collect and/or analyze the information for the agency.

Jim Magdanz, (907) 442-1713, Alaska Department of Fish and Game,

Division of Subsistence, Kotzebue, Alaska.

Jim is a subcontractor and co- investigator for the project.

Reference Cited:

Magdanz, James, Robert J. Walker, and Ronald Paciorek,

2004, The Subsistence Harvests of Wild Foods by Residents of Shungnak, Alaska, 2002. Technical Report 279, Juneau, Alaska: Division of Subsistence, Alaska Department of Fish and Game.