Cognitive Interviewing Plan

The Census Bureau plans to conduct additional research under the generic clearance for questionnaire pretesting research (OMB number 0607-0725). We will be conducting cognitive interviews for the Quarterly Financial Report (QFR). This survey is conducted quarterly, provides aggregate statistics on the financial position of U.S. corporations, and is considering expanding its data collection efforts to include industries that have not previously been in-scope for the survey. Testing is being conducted to determine the following: a) whether or not information that is collected on the survey is available from these new industries; and b) if there are any issues with comprehending the terminology used on the questionnaire.

We plan to conduct unstructured interviews with approximately 90 companies, divided between two rounds of interviews. The cognitive interviews will focus on the respondents’ ability to provide the requested data as well as their understanding of the wording and terminology used on the form. A copy of the questionnaire is enclosed. The results of the initial interviews will be used to revise the questionnaire, and a second round of testing will focus on any changes that were made to the form. Revisions may also be made following the second round.

Interviews will be conducted from June through November, 2008. Companies will be recruited in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area as well as several other areas nationwide that are yet to be determined. Interviews will take place at the business site and will be conducted by members of the Establishment Survey Methods Staff within the Census Bureau’s Office of Statistical Methods and Research for Economic Programs. Subject area specialists from the Census Bureau will accompany the researcher on most, if not all, of the interviews. They will assist with respondent debriefing, especially in cases where additional clarification of the subject matter is required.

After businesses are recruited, participants will receive follow-up reminders about their appointments. 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. Interviews will be audio-recorded, with the participants’ permission, to aid researchers in accurately reporting findings and recommendations. We will not be providing monetary incentives to participants in the study.

We estimate that it will be necessary to interview only one respondent at each company. We estimate the length of the interview will average 1 hour. Thus, the maximum estimated burden for this research is 90 hours.

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

Rebecca L. Morrison

Establishment Survey Methods Staff

7K130B

U.S. Census Bureau

Washington, D.C. 20233

(301) 763-7595

[email protected]