Focus Groups As Used By EPA For Economics Projects (Renewal)
Extension without change of a currently approved collection
No
Regular
10/31/2025
Requested
Previously Approved
36 Months From Approved
05/31/2026
432
1,089
864
2,178
240,000
0
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking approval for a generic information collection request (ICR) for the conduct of focus groups and one-on-one interviews related to economics projects primarily for survey development. Focus groups are groups of individuals brought together for moderated discussions on a specific topic or issue. These groups are typically formed to gain insight and understanding of attitudes and perceptions held by the public surrounding an issue. One-on-one interviews, as the term implies, are individual interviews in which a respondent is generally asked to review materials and provide feedback on their content and design as well as the thought processes that the materials invoke. Focus groups and one-on-one interviews (hereafter referred to collectively as focus groups) used as a qualitative research tool have three major purposes: To better understand respondents attitudes, perceptions and emotions in response to specific topics and concepts; To obtain respondent information useful for better defining variables and measures in later quantitative studies; And to further explore findings obtained from quantitative studies. Through these focus groups, the Agency will be able to gain a more in-depth understanding of the publics attitudes, beliefs, motivations and feelings regarding specific issues and will provide invaluable information regarding the quality of draft survey instruments. Focus group discussions are necessary and important steps in the design of a quality survey.
Focus groups and one-on-one interviews (hereafter referred to collectively as focus groups) used as a qualitative research tool have three major purposes:
To better understand respondents attitudes, perceptions and emotions in response to specific topics and concepts;
To obtain respondent information useful for better defining variables and measures in later quantitative studies; and
To further explore findings obtained from quantitative studies.
Through these focus groups, the Agency will be able to gain a more in-depth understanding of the publics attitudes, beliefs, motivations and feelings regarding specific issues and will provide invaluable information regarding the quality of draft survey instruments. Focus group discussions are necessary and important steps in the design of a quality survey.
The request for 864 total burden hours represents a decrease of 1,314 hours in the total estimated burden currently identified in the OMB Inventory of Approved ICR Burdens. Burden estimates derived for this (and the previous) renewal are based on projected use estimates for this generic ICR provided by the various program offices at EPA. These projections are based on anticipated, new and continuing projects over the coming three years. A decrease in burden over the previous ICR conveys simply that EPA anticipates less need for the conduct of focus groups under this ICR than in the past.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
2205ssb26.docx