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pdfAppendix A: Trainee Survey
20
Appendix A
IGERT Trainee Survey
Note to reviewers
Programming instructions are indicated in blue text.
Text in green denotes the source for a particular survey question.
This survey will be programmed for on-line administration. The formatting of items may
appear differently on-line.
21
[IGERT trainee welcome page]
The Integrative Graduate Education Research and Traineeship (IGERT) Trainee Survey
Sponsored by the National Science Foundation
Conducted by Abt Associates Inc.
This survey is being conducted by Abt Associates Inc. for the National Science Foundation (NSF), to
learn how the Integrative Graduate Education Research and Traineeship (IGERT) projects prepare
students to work as interdisciplinary researchers.
You are receiving this survey because you have received/are receiving funding from NSF’s IGERT
program.
Confidentiality and Participation
Participation in the survey is voluntary and non participation will have no impact on you or your
institution. You may skip questions on the survey or discontinue participation at any time. There is
minimal risk of breach of confidentiality. Procedures are in place to minimize this risk. All information
that would permit identification of an individual respondent will be held in strict confidence, will be
used by persons engaged in and for the purpose of the survey, and will not be disclosed or released to
others for any purpose except as required by law. You will not be identified by name, and information
from the study will be reported only in the aggregate at the project level. Your answers will have no
bearing on your current NSF funding or on future applications to NSF for funding/grants.
If you have questions about the study, please contact the study project director, Dr. Beth Gamse of Abt
Associates Inc. at (617) 349-2808 or email her at [email protected].
Completing the Survey
Please use the survey's navigation buttons (not your browser buttons) to move through the
questionnaire. You may exit the survey by closing your browser window and returning to the survey to
finish at a later time; simply click the link below and you will return to the point where you left off.
We estimate that it will take approximately 30 minutes to complete the survey. If you need help
accessing the survey or navigating the screens, you may send an email to . Or, call us toll-free at between 9:00 a.m. and
9:00 p.m. EDT, and ask to speak to someone about the IGERT study.
Consent
Please continue with the survey if you agree to participate in this study.
Click here to begin the survey.
22
SECTION A: YOUR CURRENT DEGREE PROGRAM
The first few questions are about your current status in your degree program.
A1
As of , have you graduated from your doctoral degree program? Check one
response
Yes
2 No
1
A2
Were you enrolled in your doctoral degree program during the 2010-2011 academic year? Check
one response
Yes
2 No
1
[Programming note: If A2=No (2) then end survey and present with text: “Thank you. This survey is intended for
individuals who were enrolled during the 2010-11 academic year.”]
23
SECTION B: CONDUCTING INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH
The next set of questions asks about conducting interdisciplinary research as characterized by certain
types of knowledge, skills and abilities and how important each one is to conducting research.
B1
To conduct interdisciplinary research, how important is it for someone to have depth of knowledge
in one discipline or field of study?
Not at all
important
0
B2
Important
1
Very
important
2
3
How important is it for someone to have the ability to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of
multiple disciplines to conduct
research in a single discipline or field of study?
interdisciplinary research?
To conduct …
a. Research in a single discipline or
field of study
b. Interdisciplinary research
B3
Somewhat
important
The ability to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of
multiple disciplines
Not at all
Somewhat
Very
important
important
Important
important
0
1
2
3
0
1
2
3
How important is it for someone to have the ability to apply the approaches and tools from
multiple disciplines to address a research question to conduct
research in a single discipline or field of study?
interdisciplinary research?
To conduct …
a. Research in a single discipline or
field of study
b. Interdisciplinary research
The ability to apply the approaches and tools from
multiple disciplines to address a research question
Not at all
Somewhat
Very
important
important
Important
important
0
1
2
3
0
1
2
3
24
B4
How important is it for someone to have the ability to work in a team with individuals trained in
different disciplines to conduct
research in a single discipline or field of study?
interdisciplinary research?
To conduct …
a. Research in a single discipline or
field of study
b. Interdisciplinary research
B5
0
1
2
3
0
1
2
3
How important is it for someone to have the ability to communicate research based in one
discipline or field of study to academic researchers trained in different disciplines to conduct
research in a single discipline or field of study?
interdisciplinary research?
To conduct …
a. Research in a single discipline or
field of study
b. Interdisciplinary research
B6
The ability to work in a team with individuals trained in
different disciplines
Not at all
Somewhat
Very
important
important
Important
important
The ability to communicate research based in one
discipline or field of study to academic researchers trained
in different disciplines
Not at all
Somewhat
Very
important
important
Important
important
0
1
2
3
0
1
2
3
How important is it for someone to have the ability to communicate about interdisciplinary
research to non-academic audiences (laypersons) to conduct
research in a single discipline or field of study?
interdisciplinary research?
To conduct …
a. Research in a single discipline or
field of study
b. Interdisciplinary research
The ability to communicate about interdisciplinary
research to non-academic audiences (laypersons)
Not at all
Somewhat
Very
important
important
Important
important
0
1
2
3
0
1
2
3
25
B7
In addition to the types of knowledge, skills and abilities that you have identified as important in
the previous questions, what other knowledge, skills, or abilities are important for conducting
interdisciplinary research?
If none, please check here: NONE
[Textbox, 1,000 characters]
B8
As of , how confident are you about your knowledge, skills or abilities in
the following areas? Check one response per row
Not at all
confident
a. Depth of knowledge in one discipline or
field of study
b. Ability to recognize the strengths and
weaknesses of multiple disciplines
c. Ability to apply the approaches and
tools from multiple disciplines to
address a research question
d. Ability to work in a team with
individuals trained in different
disciplines
e. Ability to communicate research based
in one discipline or field of study to
academic researchers trained in
different disciplines
f. Ability to communicate about
interdisciplinary research to nonacademic audiences (laypersons)
Somewhat
confident
Very
Confident Confident
0
1
2
3
0
1
2
3
0
1
2
3
0
1
2
3
0
1
2
3
0
1
2
3
26
SECTION C: YOUR IGERT TRAINING
The next set of questions focuses on your IGERT training and whether it has helped you to develop
and/or enhance your knowledge, skills or abilities in different areas as well as your overall capacity to
conduct interdisciplinary research.
C1
Have you participated in any of the following IGERT training activities? Check one response per row
IGERT activities
a. Courses/seminars in multiple disciplines
b. Interdisciplinary courses/seminars that
covered topics related to your IGERT theme
c. Journal clubs or research brown bags
d. Hands-on laboratory and/or field experiences
in disciplines related to your IGERT project
e. Internships in a non-academic setting
(industry, business, government, etc.)
f. Interdisciplinary team research project
g. International research experiences
h. Mentorship from faculty from outside your
home department
i. Outreach activities (K-12 students, the
general public etc.)
C2
Yes
No
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
Overall, how helpful has your IGERT training been in developing the following knowledge, skills or
abilities? Check one response per row
Not at all
helpful
a. Depth of knowledge in one discipline or
field of study
b. Ability to recognize the strengths and
weaknesses of multiple disciplines
c. Ability to apply the approaches and tools
from multiple disciplines to address a
research question
d. Ability to work in a team with individuals
trained in different disciplines
e. Ability to communicate research based in
one discipline or field of study to
academic researchers trained in
different disciplines
f. Ability to communicate about
interdisciplinary research to nonacademic audiences (laypersons)
Somewhat
helpful
Helpful
Very
helpful
0
1
2
3
0
1
2
3
0
1
2
3
0
1
2
3
0
1
2
3
0
1
2
3
27
C3
What other knowledge, skills or abilities has your IGERT training helped you develop?
If none, please check here: NONE
[Textbox, 1,000 characters]
[Programming note: The next set of questions will be driven by how trainees respond to C2 – if trainees indicate that their
overall IGERT training has been “helpful” or “very helpful” in developing them in the areas (C2b through C2f), they will
receive a follow up question asking them to indicate how helpful specific IGERT activities have been in developing that
respective area. For example, if the respondent indicates that their IGERT training was very helpful in developing their
ability to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of multiple disciplines, they will receive a follow up question. Note: A
follow-up question will not appear for C2a].
[Programming note: C4 will only appear if C2b=2 or 3. Present items where C1=1]
C4
Reflecting on your IGERT experience so far, how helpful have the following IGERT training activities
been in terms of developing your ability to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of multiple
disciplines? Check one response per row
IGERT activities [Items will only appear
if C1=1]
a. Courses/seminars in multiple
disciplines
b. Interdisciplinary
courses/seminars that covered
topics related to your IGERT
theme
c. Journal clubs or research
brown bags
d. Hands-on laboratory and/or
field experiences in disciplines
related to your IGERT project
e. Internships in a non-academic
setting (industry, business,
government, etc.)
f. Interdisciplinary team
research project
g. International research
experiences
h. Mentorship from faculty from
outside your home
department
i. Outreach activities (K-12
students, the general public
etc.)
Not at all
helpful
Somewhat
helpful
Helpful
Very
helpful
Do not
know
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
28
C4a. Are there other IGERT training activities that have been helpful or very helpful in developing
your ability to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of multiple disciplines? If so, please
describe.
If none, please check here: NONE
[Textbox, 1,000 characters]
[Programming note: C5 will only appear if C2c=2 or 3. Present items where C1=1]
C5
Reflecting on your IGERT experience so far, how helpful have the following IGERT training activities
been in terms of developing your ability to apply the approaches and tools from multiple
disciplines to address a research question? Check one response per row
IGERT activities [Items will only
appear if C1=1]
a. Courses/seminars in
multiple disciplines
b. Interdisciplinary
courses/seminars that
covered topics related to
your IGERT theme
c. Journal clubs or research
brown bags
d. Hands-on laboratory
and/or field experiences in
disciplines related to your
IGERT project
e. Internships in a nonacademic setting
(industry, business,
government, etc.)
f. Interdisciplinary team
research project
g. International research
experiences
h. Mentorship from faculty
from outside your home
department
i. Outreach activities (K-12
students, the general
public etc.)
Not at all
helpful
Somewhat
helpful
Helpful
Very
helpful
Do not
know
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
29
C5a. Are there other IGERT training activities that have been helpful or very helpful in developing
your ability to apply the approaches and tools from multiple disciplines to address a research
question? If so, please describe.
If none, please check here: NONE
[Textbox, 1,000 characters]
[Programming note: C6 will only appear if C2d=2 or 3. Present items where C1=1]
C6
Reflecting on your IGERT experience so far, how helpful have the following IGERT training activities
been in terms of developing your ability to work in a team with individuals trained in different
disciplines? Check one response per row
IGERT activities [Items will only appear if
C1=1]
a. Courses/seminars in multiple
disciplines
b. Interdisciplinary
courses/seminars that covered
topics related to your IGERT
theme
c. Journal clubs or research brown
bags
d. Hands-on laboratory and/or field
experiences in disciplines related
to your IGERT project
e. Internships in a non-academic
setting (industry, business,
government, etc.)
f. Interdisciplinary team research
project
g. International research
experiences
h. Mentorship from faculty from
outside your home department
i. Outreach activities (K-12
students, the general public etc.)
Not at all
helpful
Somewhat
helpful
Helpful
Very
helpful
Do not
know
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
30
C6a. Are there other IGERT training activities that have been helpful or very helpful in developing
your ability to work in a team with individuals trained in different disciplines? If so, please
describe.
If none, please check here: NONE
[Textbox, 1,000 characters]
[Programming note: C7 will only appear if C2e=2 or 3. Present items where C1=1]
C7
Reflecting on your IGERT experience so far, how helpful have the following IGERT training activities
been in terms of developing your ability to communicate research based in one discipline or field of
study to academic researchers trained in different disciplines? Check one response per row
IGERT activities [Items will only
appear if C1=1]
a. Courses/seminars in
multiple disciplines
b. Interdisciplinary
courses/seminars that
covered topics related to
your IGERT theme
c. Journal clubs or research
brown bags
d. Hands-on laboratory
and/or field experiences in
disciplines related to your
IGERT project
e. Internships in a nonacademic setting
(industry, business,
government, etc.)
f. Interdisciplinary team
research project
g. International research
experiences
h. Mentorship from faculty
from outside your home
department
i. Outreach activities (K-12
students, the general
public etc.)
Not at all
helpful
Somewhat
helpful
Helpful
Very
helpful
Do not
know
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
31
C7a. Are there other IGERT training activities that have been helpful or very helpful in developing
your ability to communicate research based in one discipline or field of study to academic
researchers trained in different disciplines? If so, please describe.
If none, please check here: NONE
[Textbox, 1,000 characters]
[Programming note: C8 will only appear if C2f=2 or 3. Present items where C1=1]
C8
Reflecting on your IGERT experience so far, how helpful have the following IGERT training activities
been in terms of developing your ability to communicate about interdisciplinary research to nonacademic audiences (laypersons)? Check one response per row
IGERT activities [Items will only appear if
C1=1]
a. Courses/seminars in multiple
disciplines
b. Interdisciplinary
courses/seminars that covered
topics related to your IGERT
theme
c. Journal clubs or research brown
bags
d. Hands-on laboratory and/or field
experiences in disciplines related
to your IGERT project
e. Internships in a non-academic
setting (industry, business,
government, etc.)
f. Interdisciplinary team research
project
g. International research
experiences
h. Mentorship from faculty from
outside your home department
i. Outreach activities (K-12
students, the general public etc.)
Not at all
helpful
Somewhat
helpful
Helpful
Very
helpful
Do not
know
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
0
1
2
3
99
32
C8a. Are there other IGERT training activities that have been helpful or very helpful in developing
your ability to communicate about interdisciplinary research to non-academic audiences
(laypersons)? If so, please describe.
If none, please check here: NONE
[Textbox, 1,000 characters]
C9
Have you experienced any of the following as a result of your IGERT training? Check one response
per row.
Not at all
Somewhat
A great deal
a.
Difficulty balancing demands of IGERT
versus my degree program
1
2
3
b.
An increased work load
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
Less opportunity than non-IGERT peers to
interact with students and faculty in my
primary discipline
d. Less opportunity than non-IGERT peers to
obtain graduate funding in my primary
discipline (e.g., RA, TA, fellowship)
e. Discouragement about my participation in
IGERT from students or faculty in my
primary discipline
f. Frustration trying to communicate with
students from other primary disciplines
c.
C10 What has been the most difficult or challenging aspect of participating in your IGERT training
program?
[Textbox, 1,000 characters]
33
SECTION D: Background Questions
The last few questions ask about the discipline(s) of your doctoral degree program and demographic
characteristics.
D1
Please select the discipline(s) in which you will receive your doctoral degree.
First, indicate which of the three broader areas in which your discipline(s) falls. If your doctoral
degree is best characterized as interdisciplinary, please select up to two broad areas, if applicable.
[Source: Adapted from the 2006 Survey of Doctoral Recipients]
Check up to two responses
1 Sciences (e.g., Agricultural/food sciences; Biological sciences; Environmental life sciences;
Computer and information sciences; Mathematics and statistics; Chemistry; Earth, atmospheric
and ocean sciences; Physics; Psychology)
Social Sciences (e.g., Economics; Political and related sciences; Sociology/Anthropology;
Other Social Sciences)
2
3
Engineering
[Programming note: If R selects one area from above, display one of three screens based on choice above
1. Sciences screen
2. Social Sciences screen
3. Engineering screen
The next three tables should each be on a separate screen.
If R selects two broad areas; display two of the three screens based on choices above.]
34
Science Fields
To view other fields (Social Sciences or Engineering), please select Go back to the 3 broad areas to
change your selection.
[Programming note: The blue underlined text above will function just like the “Go back to the 3 broad areas” button at the
bottom of the page.]
Agricultural/food
sciences
Biological sciences
Bioengineering, see
ENGINEERING, next page
Animal sciences
Plant sciences
Food sciences/technology
Biochemistry/biophysics
Biology, general
Botany
Cell/molecular biology
Ecology
Genetics, animal/plant
OTHER agricultural sciences
Microbiological sciences/immunology
Nutritional sciences
Pharmacology, human/animal
Physiology and pathology,
human/animal
Zoology, general
OTHER Biological sciences
Forestry sciences
Environmental life
sciences
Computer and
information sciences For
Computer Engineering,
see ENGINEERING, next
page
Mathematics and
statistics
Chemistry, except
biochemistry
Earth, atmospheric, and
ocean sciences
Physics Biophysics, see
Biological Sciences
Psychology
Environmental science/studies
Computer/information
sciences, general
Computer programming
Computer science
Computer systems analysis
Information services/systems
OTHER computer/information sciences
Applied mathematics
Statistics
Mathematics, general
OTHER mathematics
Operations research
Chemistry except biochemistry (biochemistry, see Biological sciences)
Atmospheric
sciences/meteorology
Earth sciences
Geology
Astronomy/astrophysics
Clinical psychology
Counseling
Educational psychology
Experimental psychology
Geological sciences, other
Oceanography
OTHER physical sciences
Physics
General psychology
Industrial/organizational psychology
Social psychology
OTHER psychology
NEXT ITEM
GO BACK TO THE 3 BROAD AREAS
35
Social Sciences
To view other fields (Sciences or Engineering), please select Go back to the 3 broad areas to change your
selection.
[Programming note: The blue underlined text above will function just like the “Go back to the 3 broad areas” button at the
bottom of the page.]
Economics
Political and related
sciences
Sociology/Anthropology
OTHER social sciences
Agricultural economics
International relations
Political science/government
Anthropology/archaeology
Criminology
Area/ethnic studies
Education, general
Geography
History of science
Economics
Public policy studies
Sociology
Linguistics
Philosophy of science
OTHER social sciences
NEXT ITEM
GO BACK TO THE 3 BROAD AREAS
36
Engineering Fields
To view other fields (Sciences or Social Science), please select Go back to the 3 broad areas to change
your selection.
[Programming note: The blue underlined text above will function just like the “Go back to the 3 broad areas” button at the
bottom of the page.]
Biochemical engineering, see Bioengineering/biomedical under OTHER Engineering
Chemical engineering
Chemical engineering
Civil/architectural
eng.
Electrical/computer
engineering
Architectural engineering
Civil engineering
Computer/systems engineering
Electrical/electronics/communications
engineering
Industrial engineering
Mechanical
engineering
OTHER engineering
Industrial/manufacturing engineering
Mechanical engineering
Aerospace/aeronautical/
astronautical engineering
Agricultural engineering
Bioengineering/biomedical
engineering
Engineering, general
Engineering sciences/
mechanics/physics
Environmental engineering
Geophysical/geological engineering
Materials engineering, including
ceramics/textiles
Metallurgical engineering
Mining/minerals engineering
Naval architecture/marine engineering
Nuclear engineering
Petroleum engineering
OTHER engineering
NEXT ITEM
GO BACK TO THE 3 BROAD AREAS
Providing data on gender, race and ethnicity is entirely voluntary, however, providing this information is
helpful to this study. This information will be reported only in the aggregate.
D2
Are you……
[Source: Adapted from the 2006 Survey of Doctoral Recipients]
Male
2 Female
1
D3
Are you Hispanic or Latino?
[Source: Adapted from the 2006 Survey of Doctoral Recipients]
Yes
2 No
1
37
D4
What is your racial background? [Source: Adapted from the 2006 Survey of Doctoral Recipients]
Check one or more.
1
2
3
4
5
American Indian or Alaska Native
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
Asian
Black or African-American
White
38
SECTION E: RECOMMENDATIONS
E1 If you have any other comments—about this study, your IGERT experience, or suggestions
to increase students’ preparedness for interdisciplinary research—please note them below.
[Textbox, 1,000 characters]
On behalf of the National Science Foundation and the IGERT program, thank you
for taking the time to complete this survey!
Click here to submit your responses:
SUBMIT
39
| File Type | application/pdf |
| File Title | Microsoft Word - IGERT OMB Submission (Sctns A-B) REVISED October 4 2011 |
| Author | RoyR |
| File Modified | 2011-10-12 |
| File Created | 2011-10-12 |