SUMMARY:

Under the provisions of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, for opportunity for public comment on proposed data collection projects, the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will publish periodic summaries of proposed projects to be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval.

Proposed Collection: Title: A Generic Submission for Theory Development and Validation (NCI). Type of Information Collection Request: NEW. Need and Use of Information Collection: In order to carry out NCI's legislative mandate to conduct and support research with respect to the causes and prevention of cancer, it is beneficial for NCI, through initiatives in the Behavioral Research Program (BRP), to conduct and support behavioral research informed by and informing theory. Formative research in the area of theory development and validation would provide the basis for developing effective cancer prevention and control strategies, allow for a better understanding of theoretical constructs that influence decisions and actions related to cancer, and ultimately contribute to reducing the U.S. cancer burden. Data collections that result from this generic clearance would inform and clarify the use of theory in BRP-supported initiatives and funding announcements. Specifically, this research would allow NCI to conduct research to: (1) Identify psychological, biobehavioral, demographic, and individual difference predictors of cancer prevention and control behaviors and outcomes; (2) Develop and refine integrative theories; (3) Identify and observe theoretical and innovative trends in cancer prevention and control research; and (4) Determine feasibility and usefulness of collaborative and multidisciplinary approaches to cancer prevention and control. Frequency of Response: Will be determined by each project. Affected Public: Individuals or households; Businesses or other for profit; Not-for-profit institutions; Federal Government; State, Local, or Tribal Government. Type of Respondents: Members of the public including, but not limited to, health professionals, physicians, and researchers. Table 1 outlines the estimated burden hours and cost required for a three-year approval of this generic submission.

Request for Comments: Written comments and/or suggestions from the public and affected agencies are invited on one or more of the following points: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the function of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) The accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

To request more information on the proposed project or to obtain a copy of the data collection plans and instruments, contact Richard P. Moser, Ph.D., Science of Research and Technology Branch, Behavioral Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute/NIH, 6130 Executive Blvd., Rockville, MD 20892, call non-toll-free number 301-496-0273 or e-mail your request, including your address to: moserr@mail.nih.gov.

Comments Due Date: Comments regarding this information collection are best assured of having their full effect if received within 60 days of the date of this publication.