Justification for Research on the Proposed Voting and Civic Engagement (VCE) Supplement to the Current Population Survey

The Census Bureau plans to conduct additional research under the generic clearance for questionnaire pretesting research (OMB number 0607-0725). We will be conducting research on the proposed Voting and Civic Engagement (VCE) supplement to the Current Population Survey, sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). The objective of the VCE supplement is to gather information on the level of social capital and the extent to which American communities are places where persons are active citizens. CNCS’s primary interest is with the types of activities that provide for a healthy and dynamic civil society in which persons communicate with one another on issues of public concern.

Between August 27 and October 26, we will conduct up to 40 cognitive interviews of the VCE questionnaire. The testing will be completed in two phases. During Phase 1 (August 27 through September 14), we expect to complete 20 interviews with two different versions of the questionnaire (10 Version A, 10 Version B). The primary difference between Version A and Version B is the presentation of response options in reverse order. In addition, two questions (questions 5 and 10) have slightly different wording. Copies of the questionnaires are enclosed. To test the questions within the context of production interviewing, we will administer a skeleton set of demographic questions, CPS labor force items and the regular voting supplement questions prior to starting the VCE questions. The demographic questions, labor force questions and the voting supplement questions are included at the beginning of the enclosed questionnaires.

Once the information from Phase 1 is evaluated, a revised questionnaire will be developed for Phase 2 testing. During Phase 2 (October 15 through November 2), we plan to conduct up to 20 additional interviews.

Interviews will be conducted with persons 18 years of age and older. Because the production VCE will be conducted using computer-assisted personal interviewing and computer-assisted

telephone interviewing, we will conduct some cognitive interviews in-person and some by

telephone. We will recruit participants with various demographic characteristics (age, educational attainment, race, household size and urban/rural status). We will recruit

participants through fliers, advertisements in local newspapers, and contact with local civic organizations. After they are recruited, participants will receive a follow-up telephone call to remind them of their appointments. Participants will receive $40.

One staff member from the Center for Survey Methods Research (CSMR) in the Statistical Research Division (SRD) and two from the Demographic Surveys Division will conduct the interviews. Interviews will take place both at the Response Research Laboratory in CSMR and at locations more convenient to participants.

Interviews will be conducted using both concurrent and retrospective think-aloud techniques. All interviews will be tape-recorded with the participants' permission, to facilitate transcription of the results. In addition, interviews conducted in the laboratory may also be videotaped with the participants' permission.

Participants will be informed that their response is voluntary and that the information they provide is confidential and will be seen only by employees involved in the research project.

The estimated time for completion of each cognitive interview is one hour. Thus, the total estimated burden for this test is 40 hours.

The contact person for questions regarding data collection and statistical aspects of the design of this research is listed below:

Jennifer M. Rothgeb

Center for Survey Methods Research

U.S. Census Bureau

Washington, D.C. 20233

(301) 763-4968