OMB Statement B-FINAL DRAFT BIO-DEB-SBS

Supporting statement PART b: Collection of Information Employing Statistical Methods

B.1. Respondent Universe and Selection Methods

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 government units, households, or persons) in the universe covered by the collection and in the corresponding sample are to be provided in tabular form for the universe as a whole and for each of the strata in the proposed sample. Indicate expected response rates for the collection as a whole. If the collection had been conducted previously, include the actual response rate achieved during the last collection.

The total universe of trained systematic scientists in the U.S. is not known. We have identified 26 scientific societies to which U.S. systematists may belong (American Society for Microbiology, American Society of Virology, Mycological Society of America, Phycological Society of America, International Society of Protistologists, Botanical Society of America, The American Fern Society, American Society of Plant Taxonomists, California botanical Society, Southern Appalachian Botanical Society, Torrey Botanical Society, American Bryological and Lichenological Society, American Society of Parasitologists, Paleontological Society, Entomological Society of America, Society of Nematologists, American Ornithological Society, American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, American Society of Mammalogists, Society for Marine Mammalogy, Society of Systematic Biologists, American Society of Naturalists, Society for the Study of Evolution, Association of Southeastern Biologists, Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections, Society of Herbarium Curators). We will target our audience by sending a link to the survey with explanatory email to the appropriate executive officers of each of these societies for distribution to their membership. Size of these societies ranges from ca. 500 – ca. 3000+ individuals. The proportion of systematists is likely to vary by society type, ranging from 10% - close to 100%. If we estimate ca. 30,000 scientists will be reached, with approximately 15% of these identifying as systematists, then our target community will consist of ca. 4500 individuals; we might expect somewhere around a 50% return rate, or a total of 2200 respondents.

B.2. Procedures for the Collection of Information

Describe the procedures for the collection of information including:

• Statistical methodology for stratification and sample selection

• Estimation procedure

• Degree of accuracy needed for the purpose described in the justification

• Unusual problems requiring specialized sampling procedures

• Any use of periodic (less frequent than annual) data collection cycles to reduce burden

This is a one time survey, being conducted to provide the baseline data needed in order to answer these specific questions. Our procedure is to 1) compile a list of every scientific society in the U.S. to which some systematists may belong, 2) send our survey to members through these societies; we have asked those self-identifying as systematists to respond. Because scientific societies do not publish lists of their members, or their specialties, we have estimated these numbers from what is known about the societies involved, and from the type of science that their journals publish, and estimated whether systematists are in their ranks primarily from those types of visible outputs.

B.3. Methods to Maximize Response Rates and the Issue of NonResponse

Describe methods to maximize response rates and to deal with issues of nonresponse. The accuracy and reliability of information collected must be shown to be adequate for intended uses. For collections based on sampling, a special justification must be provided for any collection that will not yield “reliable” data that can be generalized to the universe studied.

Response to this survey is entirely voluntary. We anticipate that the systematics community will be highly responsive.

B.4. Tests of Procedures

Describe any tests of procedures or methods to be undertaken. Testing is encouraged as an effective means of refining collections of information to minimize burden and improve utility. Tests must be approved if they call for answers to identical questions from 10 or more respondents. A proposed test or set of tests may be submitted for approval separately or in combination with the main collection of information.

The survey has been tested by numerous members of SBS and gone through several iterations to ensure ease of response.

B.5. Consultants

Provide the name and telephone number of individuals consulted on 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 consultants have been or will be consulted for this work, which is being conducted entirely by SBS and/or DEB staff.

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