EIA-882T OMB SS Part B -Final-2019

SUPPORTING STATEMENT

PART B

COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS

Generic Clearance for Questionnaire Testing and Research

EIA-882T

OMB No. 1905-0186

1. Universe and Respondent Selection

The universe for selecting participants for cognitive research is respondents to EIA surveys and users of EIA’s website. The information gathered will be used primarily for questionnaire development to collect information relevant to energy markets, reduce respondent confusion, improve the accuracy of information reported on survey instruments, and improve data collection processes. For the most part, the small-scale testing activities undertaken as part of this clearance will involve purposive samples with respondents selected either to cover a broad range of subgroups or to include specific characteristics related to the topic of the survey. A description of the plans for selecting respondents for each individual test will be provided to OMB at the time the testing clearance is submitted.

2. Procedures for Collecting Information

Data collection procedures for the testing conducted under this clearance will be varied and will most likely include personal visits, telephone contact, webcam interviewing via the Internet, and web-based surveys. Staff members will conduct these activities or closely monitor contractor efforts covered by the clearance. More specific information about the data collection process will be contained in the description provided to OMB at the time the testing clearance is submitted. Specific estimation procedures, when used, will also be described when EIA notifies OMB as to actual studies conducted under this clearance.

3. Methods to Maximize Response Rates

EIA uses software that provides invitees with the flexibility to schedule interviews at a time that is convenient for the participant. This facilitates participation and EIA is able to schedule interviews within 24 hours of sending out email invitations. In general, telephone callbacks and email reminders are used to maximize response rates in personal visits, telephone interviews, or planning focus group sessions. Reminder telephone calls and emails to respondents will also be used to encourage the respondents to keep their appointments.

4. Tests or Procedures

This submission covers tests of data collection instruments and survey procedures. EIA expects that all tests conducted under this clearance will result in improved data quality, reduced or minimized respondent burden and confusion on what to report, increased agency efficiency in processing data by reducing the amount of edit failures, and improved responsiveness to the public.

5. Name and Telephone Number of Individual

EIA's Survey Development Team in the Office of Survey Development and Statistical Integration has primary responsibility for designing and conducting cognitive research. For information concerning this request and the research tools, design and collection of data contact Jacob Bournazian (SDSI), 202-586-5562, email: Jacob.bournazian@eia.gov.