Development of the Sample Design for the International Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR)

• Activity Number: 607
• Type: Topic Contributed
• Date/Time: Thursday, August 2, 2012 : 8:30 AM to 10:20 AM
• Sponsor: Section on Survey Research Methods
• Author(s): Karen Grigorian*+ and Brenda G. Cox and Lynn Milan
• Companies: NORC and SRA International and National Science Foundation
• Keywords: Survey ; longitudinal ; sample design ; international ; doctorate

Abstract

This presentation discusses the evolution of an international component for the SDR. Conducted biennially since 1973 by the NSF, the SDR follows a sample of U.S.-earned doctorates in science, engineering, & health (SEH) from degree award throughout their careers. Prior to 2003, SDR included only U.S. residents in its target population. In response to interest in migration of U.S.-trained doctorates, a methodological study was conducted in 2003 which demonstrated the feasibility of locating & collecting data from U.S.-trained doctorates residing outside the U.S. This success led to the formal adoption of an international SDR component. The 2006 & 2008 SDR selected separate samples for data collection from international residents, both those emigrating immediately upon degree receipt & those emigrating later. National & international residency is difficult to predict leading to the decision to combine the two designs in 2010 SDR to create an integrated sample design for all U.S.-trained SEH doctorates. The redesigned SDR now has the potential to provide 100% coverage of the population of SEH doctorates graduating from U.S. institutions in the 21st century regardless of residency.