SUPPORTING STATEMENT
NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE SYSTEM SCIENCE COLLABORATIVE EVALUATION SURVEY
OMB CONTROL NO. 0648-xxxx
B. COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS
This study will not employ inferential statistics. We will use nothing beyond basic descriptive statistical measures, such as means, medians and mode scores.
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 governmental units, households, or persons) in the universe and the corresponding sample are to be provided in tabular form. The tabulation must also include expected response rates for the collection as a whole. If the collection has been conducted before, provide the actual response rate achieved.
The universe of respondents for this information collection comprises the NOAA ERD’s core customer base involved in the management of the NERRS, approximately 140 people. Based on frequent interaction with our constituents, we anticipate a 70% survey response rate.
2. Describe the procedures for the collection, including: the statistical methodology for stratification and sample selection; the estimation procedure; the degree of accuracy needed for the purpose described in the justification; any unusual problems requiring specialized sampling procedures; and any use of periodic (less frequent than annual) data collection cycles to reduce burden.
No statistical methodology has been applied to stratify the survey. This is because we have a reasonably small population of primary customers which we plan to reach out to with the survey as a census. It is anticipated that this is a one-time survey.
3. Describe the methods used to maximize response rates and to deal with nonresponse. The accuracy and reliability of the information collected must be shown to be adequate for the intended uses. For collections based on sampling, a special justification must be provided if they will not yield "reliable" data that can be generalized to the universe studied.
The survey has been designed to use the minimum number of questions necessary to solicit the required information.
The survey will be sent to all mangers, research coordinators, education coordinators, stewardship coordinators and coastal training program coordinators in the NERRS, a total of 140 people.
We expect a fairly good response rate (70%) to the survey given the intended user’s interest in the focus of the survey – the NERRS Science Collaborative.
Prior to administering the survey, ERD will announce to respondents that a survey will be forthcoming to aid NOAA in evaluating the NERRS Science Collaborative program.
The initial contact with perspective survey participants will consist of an email cordially inviting participants and describing the purpose of the survey along with a link to the survey instrument and instructions.
A series of two follow-up reminders will be sent to respondents at two-week intervals, following the delivery of the original survey invitation.
If a paper copy of the survey is requested, postage-paid return envelopes will be enclosed.
Respondents will be given multiple ways to contact ERD representatives with questions regarding the survey (phone, email).
For expediency, electronic mail will be used instead of postal mail to communicate with customers, unless postal carrier services are requested.
4. Describe any tests of procedures or methods to be undertaken. Tests are encouraged as effective means to refine collections, but if ten or more test respondents are involved OMB must give prior approval.
Pilot testing of the survey questions was completed in December, 2012. Pilot test participants included representative members from across the NERRS community reflecting respondent types (managers, researchers, educators, etc.). The goals of the pilot test gauged readability, ease of completion, clarity of instructions, and estimated completion time. Pilot testing of the survey included timing of respondents, identification and discussion of unclear instructions and question content, asking respondents about the length of the survey instrument, and suggestions for improvements. Five non-federal employees participated in the pilot test and subsequent discussions. Comments from the pilot test were highly beneficial and resulted in design, content and wording changes to clarify responses.
5. Provide the name and telephone number of individuals consulted on the 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.
No statistical sampling methods will be used in this information collection.
Chris Ellis (843-740-1195, [email protected]) from NOAA’s Coastal Services Center was consulted in the development of the survey.
NOAA’s Estuarine Reserves Division will conduct the survey and collect and analyze all responses. The survey invitation will be sent on behalf of the NOAA Estuarine Reserves Division.
Agency contact information:
Dwight Trueblood
NOAA Estuarine Reserves Division
UNH, Gregg Hall, Suite 130
35 Colovos Road
Durham, NH 03824
603-862-3580
| File Type | application/msword |
| Author | Dwight Trueblood |
| Last Modified By | gbanks |
| File Modified | 2013-02-12 |
| File Created | 2013-02-02 |