Non-substantive change request memo

Memorandum
TO:

Elizabeth Ashley, OMB/OIRA

FROM:

Rana Balci-Sinha, Director
U.S. CPSC, Directorate for Engineering Sciences,
Division of Human Factors

DATE: March 14, 2022

Cynthia Gillham, Economist
U.S. CPSC, Directorate for Economic Analysis
SUBJECT:

Request for Approval of Non-Substantive Change to
Hazard Communication Survey, 3041-0189
____________________________________________________________________________

U.S. CPSC requests approval for a non-substantive change to allow for minor changes to
the survey instrument for the Hazard Warning Communication Survey (OMB Control No.
3041-0189). Changes to the survey instrument include wording changes and the addition of
one question as described below.
The numbering system used in the survey is changed but the length of the survey is
essentially unchanged. The revised survey instrument is attached and a list of the proposed
non-substantive changes are provided.
A question was added to the survey, which requests the respondents to identify their current
state of residence. This question is important for ensuring a diverse sample of respondents,
as specified in Supporting Statement B (e.g., the study includes the following census-based,
population targets: Midwest (~20%), Northeast (~20%), South (~40%), West
(~20%)). Respondents from different geographic parts of the U.S. may have meaningful
differences in their attitudes, beliefs, and experiences due to environmental, social, cultural,
political, and other factors. This nationwide information, while not nationally representative,
affords CPSC staff an important snapshot of considerations for future work.
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Moved several demographics questions to the beginning from the end.
Added “Under 18” as an option for the age question (now Q1). If respondent
answers under 18, the survey will be terminated.
Added a question (now Q5) asking for the state that the respondent lives in (i.e., the
state of residence) to ensure that respondent targets are met.
Q9: Slight rewording for clarification. If a respondent purchased multiple products
within the category, we prompted them to answer the questions based on their most
recent purchase. Also separated the “Catalog or other” option into two individual options.
Q12: Added “None of the above” as an option.
Q18: Shortened the question. The text changed from “For what reasons did you
read...” to “Why did you read …”

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Q20: Shortened the question. The text changed from “For what reasons did you
follow …” to “Why did you follow...”
Q21: Clarified the question by asking the respondent to think about the products they
owned and then answer.
Q23: Added “Don’t remember” as an option.
Q26: Added “None of the above” as an option.

Despite the addition of one survey question, burden associated with the collection will
remain unchanged and may possibly be reduced due to less ambiguous wording and better
response selection. Given these proposed changes to the survey instrument, CPSC staff
conclude that changes to the survey instrument are appropriate and non-substantive.