0704-0644_ssb_12.5

SUPPORTING STATEMENT – PART B

B.  COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS

1. Description of the Activity

Data collection methods, procedures for conducting the research will vary; the purpose of these collections will be to provide assessments that inform internal decision-making, to conduct process, outcome, or impact evaluations of existing or proposed programs or policies, and/or to inform additional or future research. Some information collections may be required by Congress. Information collected under this generic clearance may yield generalizable findings.

The activities under this clearance may involve statistical samples, self-selected participants, (i.e., convenience samples), and quota samples, with respondents selected to cover a broad range of participants. Participants will include the military population, which may include those on Active-Duty status (i.e., Title 10), Reserve (i.e., Title 32), and students attending the Military Service Academies, as well as pre-accession participants and civilian personnel. Participants may also include civilian employees of the DoD, including those employed by the military Departments or the National Guard Bureau. The specific sample planned for each individual collection and the method for soliciting participation will be described fully in each collection request.

2. Procedures for the Collection of Information

Data collection methods and procedures will vary and the specifics of these will be provided with each collection request. The DoD Office of the Undersecretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness) (OUSD(P&R)) expects to use a variety of quantitative and qualitative methodologies for these data collections with close consideration regarding the research design and level of rigor required to support the information requirement. These information collections will be conducted by the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) components, Military Departments, Military Services, and/or National Guard Bureau (hereafter referred to as DoD).

For example, DoD or its contractors may use commercial survey software to automate its data collections and to conduct analysis of the data. In addition to physical copies, information collection instruments may be electronically disseminated. Verbal scripts, structured (i.e., with an inflexible question protocol) or unstructured (i.e., with a flexible question protocol) in-depth interviews, and focus groups with professional guidance and moderation may also be used.

Mixed-methods (quantitative and qualitative) research is a method used to conduct research to inform improvements to programs and policies, or to support the process, outcome, or impact evaluations of interventions, programs, or policies related to the recommendations of the Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military (IRC).

3. Maximization of Response Rates, Non-response, and Reliability

In order to maximize responses, collection instruments may be sent out via email to ensure all respondents receive an invitation. Letters may also be sent to respondents to encourage them to fill out the collection instrument(s). The use of technological platforms such as Webex or Microsoft Teams may be used for information collection, and DoD approved online survey collection tools may also be used. Other methods for maximizing response will be considered, including incentives (monetary or non-monetary and taking steps to reduce duplicative information collections. Information collection instrument will also be designed to maximize response rates by including clear questions and limiting the length to decrease burden.

4. Testing of Procedures

Pretesting or pilot studies may be conducted with a limited sample of participants (more than nine) to test the methodology of the study or test the validity and reliability of the data collection instruments.

5.  Statistical Consultation and Information Analysis

Each information collection will consultation from social scientists, statisticians, and/or subject matter experts (SMEs) in the development, design, conduct, and analysis of the research, when appropriate. This research design and statistical expertise will be available from DoD personnel, contractors, or SMEs from outside of the Department. The DoD will include the names and contact information of persons consulted in the specific information collection requests submitted under this generic clearance.

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