Early Career Doctorates Survey

ATTACHMENT E: ECDS QUESTIONNAIRE

EARLY CAREER
DOCTORATES SURVEY
QUESTIONNAIRE
for a web-based survey

All Federal information collection efforts must be approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and must display a valid OMB
control number. The OMB control number for this survey is 3145-0235, which expires on [DATE]. The average time to complete this survey
is about 30 minutes. Response burden comments should be directed to the National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Blvd. Suite 295,
Arlington, VA 22230, Attn: NSF Reports Clearance Officer.

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SECTION IC: INFORMED CONSENT
------------------------------------------------------------------IC1:

Before beginning, it is important to verify that we are interviewing the correct person. Are you [first name]
[last name]?
1=Yes
0=No

Administered to: All respondents
Source(s): Pilot ECDS IC1
------------------------------------------------------------------IC2:

Which of the following best describes [first name] [last name]?
1=[first name] [last name] is a misspelling of my name (please specify correct
name:_____________________)
2=[first name] [last name] is a name I used in the past, but my name had changed (please specify correct
name:_____________________)
3=[Neither of the above]

Administered to: Respondents whose name is not the one provided in the question (i.e., respondents who selected
option 0 in IC1)
Source(s): Pilot ECDS IC2
------------------------------------------------------------------IC3:

Thank you for your responses. We apologize for any inconvenience and will not contact you again
regarding the Early Career Doctorates Survey.
Administered to: Respondents who are not the intended sample member (i.e., respondents who selected option 3 in
IC2).
Source(s): New
------------------------------------------------------------------IC4:

Were you affiliated with [ECDS sampling frame organization] the week of October 1, 2017?
1=Yes
0=No

NOTE: Sample members who select ‘no’ will be deemed ineligible and routed to IC5
Administered to: Respondents who identified as the sample member (i.e., Respondents who selected 1 in IC1)
Source(s): New
------------------------------------------------------------------IC5:

Thank you. Based on your answers you are not eligible for ECDS, but before you log out please take 1
minute to answer a short set of questions about your educational and demographic characteristics. This
information will be used to help improve our data collection procedures for the future and improve
estimates of the study’s population of interest. If you agree to provide this information, please click
“Next” below.
This information is solicited under the authority of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as
amended, and the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2002. Per the
Federal Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2015, your data are protected from cybersecurity risks through
screening of the federal information systems that transmit your data. The information you provide will be
used for statistical purposes only. Your responses will be kept confidential. Your response is voluntary and
failure to provide some or all of the requested information will not in any way adversely affect you. If you

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have questions about your rights as a survey participant, you may contact RTI International's Office of
Research Protection at 1-866-214-2043.
Administered to: Respondents who were sample members, but were not affiliated with the ECDS sampling frame
organization the week of October 1, 2017 (i.e., Respondents who selected option 1 in IC1 and option 0 in IC4)
Source(s): New
------------------------------------------------------------------IC6:

Recently, we sent you an email about the National Science Foundation’s Early Career Doctorates Survey
(ECDS). The email included a link to the survey website which includes information about your rights as a
survey participant. Have you read this information and do you agree to participate in the survey?
1=Yes, I understand my rights as a survey participant and want to take the survey
0=No, I have not read the information on the website

Administered to: Respondents who identify as the sample member
Source(s): Pilot ECDS IC3
------------------------------------------------------------------IC7:

Great. If you have questions about the ECDS, you may contact the survey staff at 1-800-848-4075 or
[email protected]. If you have questions about your rights as a survey participant, you may contact RTI
International's Office of Research Protection at 1-866-214-2043. Once you begin the survey, you may stop
at any time or skip any question. The average time to complete this survey is about 30 minutes.
Please click 'Next' below.

Administered to: Sample members who agree to participate
Source(s): Pilot ECDS IC4
------------------------------------------------------------------IC8:

The National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, a federal statistical agency within the National
Science Foundation (NSF), is conducting the ECDS to learn about the career paths and research
opportunities of individuals who earned their first doctorate (PhD, MD, or other equivalent doctorate
degree) within the last 10 years.
This information is solicited under the authority of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as
amended, and the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2002. Per the
Federal Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2015, your data are protected from cybersecurity risks through
screening of the federal information systems that transmit your data. The information you provide will be
used for statistical purposes only. Your responses will be kept confidential. Your response is voluntary and
failure to provide some or all of the requested information will not in any way adversely affect you. Once
you begin the survey, you may stop at any time or skip any question. The average time to complete this
[survey/short set of questions] is about [30 minutes/1 minute].
Pursuant to 5CFR 1320.5(b), an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to any information collection unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The OMB control
number for this collection is 3145-0235 (Exp. #/##/####). Please send any comments on the time required
to complete this survey to the National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Blvd, Suite 295, Arlington, VA
22230, Attn: NSF Reports Clearance Officer. If you have questions about your rights as a survey
participant, you may contact RTI International's Office of Research Protection at 1-866-214-2043.
To visit the survey website, click here.
To review the ECDS brochure, click here.

If you agree to participate, please click “Next” below.
Administered to: Sample members who had not read the information on the website
Source(s): Pilot ECDS IC5
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SECTION A: SCREENER
------------------------------------------------------------------A1:

[For past participants: Thank you for your past participation in the Early Career Doctorates Survey. To
make this survey shorter for you, we have prefilled your previous answers to comparable questions about
your educational history and demographic characteristics. Please verify this information or make changes
as needed.]
[For sample members who were affiliated with the ECDS organization the week of October 1, 2017: We
will begin by collecting some information to verify your eligibility for the ECDS.]
Please start by thinking about your highest degree. (If you have more than one doctorate or doctorateequivalent degree, think about the first such degree you received.)
What type of degree is it?
1=PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
2=MD (Doctor of Medicine)
3=Dual doctorate level degree such as MD-PhD (specify)
4=Other doctorate or doctorate-equivalent degree including international degree equivalents (e.g., Dr. rer.
nat, DSc, DVM, EdD, PharmD, PsyD)
5=Master's degree (e.g., MS, MA, MPH, Diplom, etc.)
6=Undergraduate degree (e.g., BS, BA, AB)
7=Other degree

Administered to: All sample members
Source(s): Pilot ECDS A1, 2013 SDR D2
------------------------------------------------------------------A2:

What type of doctorate or doctorate-equivalent degree is it?
1=DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery)
2=Dr. rer. nat (Doctor rerum naturalium)
3=DSc (Doctor of Science)
4=DPhil (Doctor of Philosophy)
5=DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine)
6=EdD (Doctor of Education)
7=JD (Juris Doctor)
8=PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy)
9=PsyD (Doctor of Psychology)
10=Other doctorate or doctorate-equivalent degree, including international degree equivalent to U.S.
doctorate (Please specify)

NOTE: Sample members who select JD will be deemed ineligible and routed to A5
Administered to: Sample members whose highest degree is a doctorate or doctorate-equivalent degree
Source(s): Pilot ECDS A2 and A3
------------------------------------------------------------------A3:

Is your highest degree an international equivalent to a U.S. doctorate or doctorate-equivalent degree?
1=Yes
0=No
(Please specify)

NOTE: Sample members who select ‘no’ will be deemed ineligible and routed to B1
Administered to: Sample members whose highest degree is neither a doctorate nor a doctorate-equivalent degree
Source(s): Pilot ECDS A4

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------------------------------------------------------------------A4:

Were you enrolled in a doctoral or doctoral-equivalent program the week of October 1, 2017?
1=Yes
0=No

NOTE: If the highest degree is not a doctorate, doctorate-equivalent, or an international equivalent, the case is
deemed ineligible and routed to B1.
Administered to: Sample members whose highest degree is not a doctorate, doctorate-equivalent, nor international
equivalent
Source(s): Pilot ECDS A5
------------------------------------------------------------------A5:

In what month and year was this [PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.] awarded?
A5a. Month:
A5b. Year:
-9=-Select One
-9=- Select One
1=January
2017=2017
2=February
2016=2016
3=March
2015=2015
4=April
2014=2014
5=May
2013=2013
6=June
2012=2012
7=July
2011=2011
8=August
2010=2010
9=September
2009=2009
10=October
2008=2008
11=November
2007=2007
12=December
2006=2006 or before

NOTE: If the highest degree was awarded more than 10 years ago the case is deemed ineligible and routed to B1.
Administered to: Sample members whose highest degree is a doctorate, doctorate-equivalent degree, or international
equivalent
Source(s): Pilot ECDS A6, 2015 SED A8B and 2013 SDR D4
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SECTION B: BASIC DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
------------------------------------------------------------------B1:

[If eligible:
Thank you. You are eligible for the ECDS. We will collect more information about your education in a
moment, but first we have a short set of questions about your demographic characteristics.]
[If ineligible, but affiliated with ECDS organization the week of October 1, 2017:
Thank you. Based on your answers, you are not eligible for the ECDS. Before you log out, we have a short
set of questions about your demographic characteristics. This information will be used to help improve our
data collection procedures and improve estimates of the study’s population of interest.]
[If ineligible because not affiliated with ECDS organization the week of October 1, 2017: No text]

What is your sex?
1=Male
2=Female
Administered to: All sample members (including ineligibles)

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Source(s): Pilot ECDS F1, 2015 SED C1 and 2010 Census form question 3
------------------------------------------------------------------B2:

In what year were you born?
1938–1998

Administered to: All sample members (including ineligibles)
Source(s): Pilot ECDS F1, 2015 SED C6 and 2010 Census form question 4
------------------------------------------------------------------B3:

Are you of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin?
1=No, not of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin
2=Yes, Mexican, Mexican American, Chicano
3=Yes, Puerto Rican
4=Yes, Cuban
5=Yes, South American
6=Yes, another Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin (Please specify)

Administered to: All sample members (including ineligibles)
Source(s): Pilot ECDS F3, 2015 SED C10 and 2010 Census form question 5
------------------------------------------------------------------B4:

What is your race? (Select all that apply)
B4a: White
B4b: Black or African American
B4c: Asian
B4d: Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
B4e: American Indian or Alaska Native
1=Yes
0=No

Administered to: All sample members (including ineligibles)
Source(s): Pilot ECDS F4, 2015 SED C11 and 2010 Census form question 6
------------------------------------------------------------------B5:

Is English your first language?
1=Yes
0=No

Administered to: All sample members (including ineligibles)
Source(s): Pilot ECDS F5, 2011 CROS 43
------------------------------------------------------------------B6:

Are you currently a citizen of the United States?
1=Yes
0=No

Administered to: All sample members (including ineligibles)
Source(s): Pilot ECDS F6, 2015 SED C7 and SDR E7
------------------------------------------------------------------END1
On behalf of the National Science Foundation, thank you for your time and cooperation.

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Administered to: All ineligible sample members
Source(s): New
-------------------------------------------------------------------

SECTION C: EDUCATION
------------------------------------------------------------------C1:

Next we will collect additional information about your [PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.] degree and other
degrees you have received.
Was your [PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.] degree (awarded in [month] [year]) received from an
institution in the United States or another country?
1=United States
2=Another country

Administered to: All ECDs
Source(s): Pilot ECDS A7, 2015 SED A8I and 2013 SDR D5
------------------------------------------------------------------C2:

What is the full name and location of the institution from which you received your
[PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.] degree? (Please do not use acronyms for the institution name.)
C2a: Institution Name:
C2b: City or Branch:
C2c: State:

NOTE: A coding application will be used to code institutions in the United States to the Integrated Postsecondary
Data System.
Administered to: ECDs whose highest degree institution is in the U.S.
Source(s): Pilot ECDS A8, 2015 SED A8F, H & I and 2013 SDR D5
------------------------------------------------------------------C3:

What is the full name and location of the institution from which you received your
[PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.] degree? (Please do not use acronyms for the institution name.)
C3a: Institution name:
C3b: City or branch:
C3c: Country:

Administered to: ECDs whose highest degree institution is in a foreign country
Source(s): Pilot ECDS A9, 2015 SED A8F, G, I and 2013 SDR D5
------------------------------------------------------------------C4:

What was your primary field of study for your [PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.] degree?

NOTE: A coding application will be used to code to the Classification of Instructional Programs.
Administered to: All ECDs
Source(s): Pilot ECDS A10, 2015 SED A2 and 2013 SDR D3
------------------------------------------------------------------C5:

Did you have a secondary field of study for your [PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.]?
1=Yes
0=No

Administered to: All ECDs
Source(s): 2015 SED A2
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C6:

What was the secondary field of study for your [PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.]?

NOTE: A coding application will be used to code to the Classification of Instructional Programs.
Administered to: All ECDs with secondary fields of study
Source(s): 2015 SED A2
------------------------------------------------------------------C7:

For the purposes of this survey, a postdoctoral appointment, or “postdoc,” is a temporary position
awarded in academe, industry, government, or a non-profit organization primarily for gaining additional
education and training in research.
How important is a postdoctoral appointment to advancement in your desired career track within your
specific field?
1=Not important
2=Slightly important
3=Moderately important
4=Very important
5=Extremely important
6=Undecided on your desired career track

Administered to: All ECDs
Source(s): Pilot ECDS A11
------------------------------------------------------------------C8:

So far you have told us about the following postsecondary degree(s):
[PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.] in [field] from [institution] awarded in [month/year (A5a/A5b)]
[doctorate degree] awarded in [year]
[doctorate-equivalent degree] awarded in [year]
[Master’s degree] awarded in [year]
[Bachelor’s degree] awarded in [year]
[Associate’s degree] awarded in [year]
[Other postsecondary degree] awarded in [year]
Please list all other postsecondary degrees you have earned and indicate the year they were awarded. Click
the “Add degree” button to enter information for another degree. Click the “Remove degree” button to
delete a degree from the list. When you have entered all of your postsecondary degrees, click the “Next”
button.
-9-=-Select type of degree1=Doctorate degree (e.g., PhD, EdD, DSc, Candidates of science, Dr. rer. nat., etc.)
2=Doctorate-equivalent degree (e.g., MD, DO, DDS, DVM, etc.)
3=Master's degree (e.g., MS, MA, MPH, Diplom, etc.)
4=Bachelor's degree (e.g., BS, BA, AB)
5=Associate's degree (e.g., AS, AA)
6=Other postsecondary degree (Please specify)
-9=-Select Year2016-1955

Administered to: ECDs who have earned a postsecondary degree other than their highest degree
Source(s): Pilot ECDS A14 & A15, 2015 SED A8A & B, A9 and 2013 SDR D2 and D4
------------------------------------------------------------------BEGIN DEGREE LOOP
------------------------------------------------------------------C9:

Was your [other postsecondary degree] (awarded in [year]) received from an institution in the United States
or another country?

-8-

1=United States
2=[PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc. institution foreign country]
3=[Foreign country in which a previously named degree was earned]
4=[Another foreign country in which a previously named degree was earned]
5=[Another foreign country in which a previously named degree was earned]
6=[Another foreign country in which a previously named degree was earned]
7=[Another foreign country in which a previously named degree was earned]
8=Another country

In which country is this institution located?
[drop down list of countries]
Administered to: ECDs who have earned a postsecondary degree other than their highest degree from an institution
outside the U.S.
Source(s): Pilot ECDS A16 & A17, 2015 SED A8I and 2013 SDR D5
------------------------------------------------------------------C10:

From what institution did you receive your bachelor’s degree (awarded in [year])? Was it…
1= [Name of institution that granted ECD’s doctorate/doctorate-equivalent degree] or
2= Another institution?

Administered to: ECDs who earned a bachelor’s degree
Source(s): 2015 SED A8F and 2013 SDR D5
------------------------------------------------------------------C11:

What is the full name and location of the institution from which you received your bachelor's degree?
(Please do not use acronyms for the institution name.)
C11a: Institution name:
C11b: City:
C11c: State:

NOTE: A coding application will be used to code institutions in the United States to the Integrated Postsecondary
Data System.
Administered to: ECDs who earned a bachelor’s degree in the U.S. from an institution other than where they earned
their doctorate
Source(s): Pilot ECDS A18, 2015 SED A8F, H & I and 2013 SDR D5
------------------------------------------------------------------C12:

Was your [other postsecondary degree] (awarded in [year]) in…
1=[specific 6-digit CIP for doctorate/doctorate-equivalent degree field from C4]
2=[specific 6-digit CIP for doctorate/doctorate-equivalent degree second field from C6]
3=[specific 6-digit CIP for other degree field from previous iteration of degree loop from C13]
4=[specific 6-digit CIP for other degree field from previous iteration of degree loop from C13]
5=[specific 6-digit CIP for other degree field from previous iteration of degree loop from C13]
6=[specific 6-digit CIP for other degree field from previous iteration of degree loop from C13]
7=[specific 6-digit CIP for other degree field from previous iteration of degree loop from C13]
8=[specific 6-digit CIP for other degree field from previous iteration of degree loop from C13]
9=[specific 6-digit CIP for 1st Bachelor’s second field from previous iteration of degree loop from C16]
10=[specific 6-digit CIP for 2nd Bachelor’s second field from previous iteration of degree loop-C16]
11=Another field of study?

Administered to: ECDs who have earned a postsecondary degree other than their highest degree

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Source(s): Pilot ECDS A19
------------------------------------------------------------------C13:

What was your primary field of study for your [other postsecondary degree] (awarded in [year])?

NOTE: A coding application will be used to code to the Classification of Instructional Programs.
Administered to: ECDs who have earned a postsecondary degree other than their highest degree in a different field
Source(s): Pilot ECDS A20, 2015 SED A8D & E and A9 and 2013 SDR D3
------------------------------------------------------------------C14:

Did you have a second field of study for Bachelor’s degree (awarded in [year])?
1=Yes
0=No

Administered to: ECDs who have earned a Bachelor’s degree
Source(s): 2015 SED A2
------------------------------------------------------------------C15:

What was your other field of study for your Bachelor’s degree (awarded in [year])? Was it…
1=[doctorate/doctorate-equivalent degree field from C4]
2=[specific 6-digit CIP for doctorate/doctorate-equivalent degree second field from C6]
3=[specific 6-digit CIP for other degree field from previous iteration of degree loop from C13]
4=[specific 6-digit CIP for other degree field from previous iteration of degree loop from C13]
5=[specific 6-digit CIP for other degree field from previous iteration of degree loop from C13]
6=[specific 6-digit CIP for other degree field from previous iteration of degree loop from C13]
7=[specific 6-digit CIP for other degree field from previous iteration of degree loop from C13]
8=[specific 6-digit CIP for other degree field from previous iteration of degree loop from C13]
9=[specific 6-digit CIP for 2nd Bachelor’s second field from previous iteration of degree loop-C16]
10=Another field of study?

Administered to: ECDs who have earned a Bachelor’s degree with a second major
Source(s): 2015 SED A2
------------------------------------------------------------------C16:

What was your other field of study for your Bachelor’s degree (awarded in [year])?

NOTE: A coding application will be used to code to the Classification of Instructional Programs.
Administered to: ECDs who have earned a Bachelor’s degree with a second major in a different field
Source(s): 2015 SED A2 and A8D
------------------------------------------------------------------C17:

Have you ever earned college credit from a community or two-year college in the United States?
1=Yes
0=No

Administered to: All ECDs
Source(s): Pilot ECDS A22, 2015 SED A14
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C18:

Which of the following were your sources of financial support when you were pursuing your
[PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.] in [field] from [institution]?
(Select one response per row)
C18a: Fellowship or scholarship
C18b: Grant
C18c: Teaching assistantship
C18d: Research assistantship
C18e: Other assistantship
C18f: Traineeship
C18g: Internship or clinical residency
C18h: Loans from any source
C18i: Personal savings
C18j: Personal earnings during graduate school other than sources already listed
C18k: Spouse’s, partner’s, or family’s earnings or savings
C18l: Employer reimbursement or assistance
C18m: Foreign (non-U.S.) support
C18n: Another source (Please specify)
1=Yes
0=No

Administered to: All ECDs
Source(s): Pilot ECDS A23, 2015 SED A5 and CDH EDU.11
------------------------------------------------------------------C19:

Did you receive any financial support from the U.S. federal government while pursuing your
[PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.] in [field] from [institution]?
1=Yes
0=No
9=Don’t know

Administered to: ECDs who answered yes to any of the external funding mechanisms (C18a-C18h)
Source(s): New
------------------------------------------------------------------C20:

If you had not received financial support from the U.S. federal government while pursuing your
[PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.] in [field] from [institution], what is the likelihood that you would
have…
a. Pursued this [PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.]?
b. Completed this [PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.]?
c. Completed this [PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.] in the same amount of time as you did?
d. Accomplished as much as you did during your [PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.] program?
1= Very unlikely
2= Unlikely
3= Neither unlikely nor likely
4= Likely
5= Very likely

Administered to: ECDs who received any financial support from the U.S. federal government
Source(s): New
------------------------------------------------------------------C21:

When you received your [PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.] in [field] from [institution], how much money
(in U.S. dollars) did you owe that was directly related to your undergraduate and graduate education?
(Select one response per column)

- 11 -

C21a: Undergraduate
1=None
2=$10,000 or less
3=$10,001 - $20,000
4=$20,001 - $30,000
5=$30,001 - $40,000
6=$40,001 - $50,000
7=$50,001 - $60,000
8=$60,001 - $70,000
9=$70,001 - $80,000
10=$80,001 - $90,000
11=$90,001 or more

C21b: Graduate
1=None
2=$10,000 or less
3=$10,001 - $20,000
4=$20,001 - $30,000
5=$30,001 - $40,000
6=$40,001 - $50,000
7=$50,001 - $60,000
8=$60,001 - $70,000
9=$70,001 - $80,000
10=$80,001 - $90,000
11=$90,001 - $100,000
12 = $100,001 – $125,000
13 = $125,001 - $150,000
14 = $150,001 - $175,000
15 = $175,001 - $200,000
16 = $200,001 - $225,000
17 = $225,001 or more

Administered to: All ECDs
Source(s): Pilot ECDS A24, 2015 SED A7
-----------------------------------------------------------------C22:

How much money do you currently owe (in US dollars) that is directly related to your [undergraduate
education/graduate education/undergraduate and graduate education combined]?

1=None
2=$10,000 or less
3=$10,001 - $20,000
4=$20,001 - $30,000
5=$30,001 - $40,000
6=$40,001 - $50,000
7=$50,001 - $60,000
8=$60,001 - $70,000
9=$70,001 - $80,000
10=$80,001 - $90,000
11=$90,001 - $100,000
12 = $100,001 – $125,000
13 = $125,001 - $150,000
14 = $150,001 - $175,000
15 = $175,001 - $200,000
16 = $200,001 - $225,000
17 = $225,001 or more
Administered to: ECDs who still owe money for their undergraduate or graduate education
Source(s): Pilot ECDS A26
-------------------------------------------------------------------

SECTION D: PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITES
------------------------------------------------------------------D_TEXT: The next questions ask about your work outcomes, research activities, and work-related training.
Administered to: All ECDs
-------------------------------------------------------------------

- 12 -

D1:

Thinking about all of your paid and unpaid activities since receiving your [PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD
etc.] in [field] from [institution], have you:
(Select one response per row)
D1a: Published papers in conference proceedings?
D1b: Authored or co-authored papers for presentation at regional, national, or international conferences?
(Do not include papers published in conference proceedings.)
D1c: Submitted articles for publication in a peer-reviewed journal?
D1d: Published books or book chapters?
D1e Mentored or supervised students
D1f
Taught courses
D1g: Been named as an inventor on a patent application?
D1h: Provided service to your department, institution, or professional society (e.g., committee work,
serving as a reviewer)?
1=Yes
0=No

Administered to: All ECDs
Source(s): Pilot ECDS B1, 2008 SDR C1 and National Postdoctoral Association survey
------------------------------------------------------------------D2:

Since receiving your [PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.], how many...
D2a: papers have been published in conference proceedings?
D2b: papers have you authored or co-authored for presentation at regional, national, or international
conferences? (Do not include papers published in conference proceedings.)
D2c: articles have you submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal?
D2d: articles have been accepted for publication or already published in a peer-reviewed journal?
D2e: books have been published?
D2f: book chapters have been published?
D2g: students have you mentored or supervised?
D2h: courses have you taught? (If you have taught the same course multiple times, count each time.)
D2i: U.S. patent applications have you been named as an inventor on?
D2j: foreign patent applications have you been named as an inventor on?

Administered to: ECDs who indicated having at least one work product since receiving their highest degree
Source(s): Pilot ECDS B2, 2008 SDR C1 and Pilot ECDS B2
------------------------------------------------------------------D3:

Since receiving your [PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.], how many patents have been granted to you as an
inventor?
D3a: U.S. Patents Granted:
D3b: Foreign Patents Granted:

Administered to: ECDs who have been named as an inventor on a U.S. or foreign patent application since receiving
their highest degree
Source(s): Pilot ECDS B3, 2008 SDR C3.2
------------------------------------------------------------------D4:

Thinking of the U.S. patents that you have been granted since receiving your [PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD
etc.], for which of the following types of activity have they been granted?
(Select one response per row)
D4a: Utility patents (i.e., patents for inventions)
D4b: Plant patents (i.e., patents for fundamentally altered plant species)
D4c: Design patents (i.e., patents for appearance)

- 13 -

1=Yes
0=No
Administered to: ECDs who have been granted a U.S patent as an inventor since receiving their highest degree
Source(s): Pilot ECDS B4
------------------------------------------------------------------D5:

Since receiving your [PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.], have any of your patents resulted in
commercialized products or processes or been licensed?
1=Yes
0=No

Administered to: ECDs who have been granted a U.S. or foreign patent as an inventor since receiving their highest
degree
Source(s): Pilot ECDS B5, 2008 SDR C3.3
-------------------------------------------------------------------

SECTION E: EMPLOYMENT
------------------------------------------------------------------E_TEXT: We would like to ask you some questions about the work, research, and training positions you have held
since receiving your [PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.] in [field] from [institution].
Administered to: All ECDs
------------------------------------------------------------------E1:

Since receiving your [PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.] how many positions have you held?
Be sure to count all positions including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Postdoctoral appointments or “postdoc”,
Residencies,
Fellowships,
Internships,
Part-time positions,
Unpaid positions,
Adjunct positions, and
Self-employment.

NOTE: If a respondent enters ‘0’ the response will be validated. If ‘0’ is confirmed to be correct the respondent will
be deemed to be ineligible and routed to the end of the survey.
Administered to: All ECDs
Source(s): New
------------------------------------------------------------------E2:

For the purposes of this survey, a postdoctoral appointment, or “postdoc,” is a temporary position
awarded in academe, industry, government or a non-profit organization primarily for gaining additional
education and training in research.
Of the [NEW11] positions you have held since you received your [PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.], how
many have been postdoctoral appointments?

Administered to: ECDs who have held any position since receiving their highest degree
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C6, 2013 SDR A23 for definition

- 14 -

------------------------------------------------------------------E3:

[Across your [E2] postdoctoral appointments, how many/How many] years in total have you held a
postdoctoral appointment? (Please round to the nearest number of years.)
_____ years

Administered to: ECDs who have held at least one postdoctoral appointment
Source(s): New
------------------------------------------------------------------E4:

For this question, a full-time position is one that requires at least 35 hours per week and a part-time
position is one that requires fewer than 35 hours per week.
Of the [E1] positions you have held since receiving your [PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.], how many
different full-time paid, part-time paid, and unpaid positions have you had, including your current
position if applicable?
Paid full-time positions:________
Paid part-time positions:________
Unpaid positions:_______

Administered to: ECDs who have held 1 or more positions since receiving their highest degree
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C3 A & B
------------------------------------------------------------------E5:

[Was your unpaid position an unpaid internship? | Were any of your unpaid positions unpaid internships?]
1=Yes
0=No

Administered to: ECDs with 1 or more unpaid positions in C3
Source(s): New
------------------------------------------------------------------E6:

What are your reasons for not working for pay?
(Select one response per row)
E6a: In school full-time
E6b: In school part-time
E6c: Family responsibilities - child care
E6d: Family responsibilities - other
E6e: Chronic illness or permanent disability
E6f: Suitable position not available
E6g: Do not need or want to work
E6h: On layoff from a position
E6i: Retired
E6j: Other (Please specify)
1=Yes
0=No

Administered to: ECDs who have not worked for pay since receiving their highest degree
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C2, 2013 SDR A3
------------------------------------------------------------------TRANSITION_TEXT:
Iteration 1

- 15 -

Text: Now, we would like to ask you some questions about the position you held at [ECDS institution] the week of
October 1, 2017.
Administered to: All ECDs
Iteration 2
Text: Now, we would like to ask you some questions about your first position following receipt of your
[PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.]. This may be a postdoctoral appointment (i.e., postdoc), residency, adjunct
faculty position, fellowship, internship, or self-employment and may have been part-time or unpaid.
Administered to: ECDs who have held more than one position and whose sampled position at the ECDS institution
is not their first position.
Iteration 3
Text: Now, we would like to learn more about the postdoctoral appointment, or "postdoc," that you reported
holding. If you have had more than one postdoctoral appointment, please refer to the first postdoc that you held.
Administered to: ECDs who have held a postdoc, but neither their iteration 1 or iteration 2 position is considered a
postdoc by the ECD
------------------------------------------------------------------E7:

In what month and year did [the position you held at [ECDS institution] the week of October 1, 2017/your
first position/this postdoc] begin and end?
Start date
E7a: Month:
-9=-Select One1=January
2=February
3=March
4=April
5=May
6=June
7=July
8=August
9=September
10=October
11=November
12=December

E7b: Year:
-9=-Select One2017=2017
2016=2016
2015=2015
2014=2014
2013=2013
2012=2012
2011=2011
2010=2010
2009=2009
2008=2008
2007=2007
2006=2006 or before

E7c: You are still in this position?
1=Yes
0=No

- 16 -

End date:
E7d: Month:
-9=-Select One1=January
2=February
3=March
4=April
5=May
6=June
7=July
8=August
9=September
10=October
11=November
12=December

E7e: Year:
-9=-Select One2017=2017
2016=2016
2015=2015
2014=2014
2013=2013
2012=2012
2011=2011
2010=2010
2009=2009
2008=2008
2007=2007
2006=2006 or before

Administered to: ECDs eligible for the iteration
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C7 & C8, 2013 SDR A26 and 2013 SDR A4
------------------------------------------------------------------E8:

What [is/was] the official title of this position?

Administered to: All ECDs eligible for the iteration
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C9 and 2013 SDR A19
------------------------------------------------------------------E9:

Who [is/was] your employer for this position?
1=[ECDS institution]
2=[Employer from iteration 2]
3=A different employer
4=Self-employed

Administered to: All ECDs eligible for the iteration (iterations 2 & 3 only, option 2 available only for iteration 3)
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C10
------------------------------------------------------------------E10:

What is the name of the organization and country where you [are/were] employed for this position? (If
your employer [has/had] more than one location, report the location that [employs/employed] you. If you
[work/worked] for a contracting or consulting company, report the name of that company, not the client
organization.)
E10a: Employer name:
E10b: Country:
-9=-Select One1=United States
2=[PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc. institution foreign country]
3=[Foreign country in which a postsecondary degree was earned]
4=[Another foreign country in which a postsecondary degree was earned]
5=[Another foreign country in which a postsecondary degree was earned]
6=[Another foreign country in which a postsecondary degree was earned]
7=[Another foreign country in which a postsecondary degree was earned]
8=[Foreign country of first position]
9=Another country
(Please specify the country)

- 17 -

Administered to: ECDs eligible for the iteration who work/worked for an organization not previously identified
(iterations 2 & 3 only, option 8 available only for iteration 3)
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C11, 2015 SED B7 and 2013 SDR A9
------------------------------------------------------------------E11:

Which one of the following best describes the type of organization where this position [is/was] located?
1= Educational institution, public or private, non-profit or for-profit
2=University-affiliated research institutes, hospitals, and medical centers
3=Hospital, medical care facility, community health system, or Veterans Health Administration (not
affiliated with a university)
4=Government including military and intergovernmental organizations (e.g., United Nations)
5=Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC)
6=For-profit business other than an educational or medical organization
7=Non-profit organization or foundation other than an educational or medical organization
8=Other (Please specify)

Administered to: ECDs eligible for the iteration who work/worked at an organization not previously identified
(iterations 2 & 3 only)
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C12, 2015 SED B6 and 2013 SDR A13
----------------------------------------------------E12:

Which one of the following best describes the type of educational institution where this position [is/was]
located?
1=Medical school including university-affiliated hospital or medical center
2=Four-year college or university, other than a medical school
3=University-affiliated research institute
4=Two-year college, community college, or technical institute
5=Preschool, elementary, middle, secondary school or school system

Administered to: ECDs eligible for the iteration who work/worked at an educational organization not previously
identified (iterations 2 & 3 only)
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C13, 2015 SED B6 and 2013 SDR A15
------------------------------------------------------------------E13:

Which one of the following best describes the type of university-affiliated institution where this position
[is/was] located?
1=University-affiliated hospital or medical center
2=University-affiliated research institute

Administered to: ECDs eligible for the iteration who work/worked at a university-affiliated institution not
previously identified (iterations 2 & 3 only)
Source(s): 2015 SED B6 and 2013 SDR A15
------------------------------------------------------------------E14:

Which one of the following best describes the type of government institution where this position [is/was]
located?
1=U.S. military
2=U.S. federal government (non-military)
3=U.S. state government
4=U.S. local government
5=Foreign government or military
6=Intergovernmental organization (e.g., United Nations, World Bank, International Monetary Fund)

Administered to: ECDs eligible for the iteration who work/worked at a government organization not previously
identified (iterations 2 & 3 only)

- 18 -

Source(s): Pilot ECDS C14, 2015 SED B6 and 2013 SDR A13
------------------------------------------------------------------E15:

Is this non-profit organization a...
1=research institute, including medical research organization,
2=hospital, medical care facility, or community health system not affiliated with a university,
3=university-affiliated hospital or medical center,
4=private foundation,
5=professional or technical society,
6=advocacy group, or
7=other?

Administered to: ECDs eligible for the iteration who work/worked at a non-profit organization not previously
identified (iterations 2 & 3 only)
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C15
------------------------------------------------------------------E16:

Which one of the following best describes the place within the university where this position [is/was]
located?
1=Academic department
2=Hospital or medical center
3=Research institute
4=Other (Please specify)

Administered to: ECDs eligible for the iteration who work/worked at sampled GSS institution (all iterations)
Source(s): New
------------------------------------------------------------------E17:

[Do/Did] you consider this position a postdoctoral appointment?
1=Yes
0=No

Administered to: ECDs eligible for the iteration except for those who are self-employed (all iterations)
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C17 and 2013 SDR A23
------------------------------------------------------------------E18:

For each of the following job characteristics, please indicate if it [describes/described] your position or not.
(Select one response per row)
E18a: [Requires/Required] a PhD or doctorate-equivalent degree (e.g., MD, DO, DDS, DVM)
E18b: [Requires/Required] that the doctorate was awarded within the last 10 years
E18c: [Is/Was] a temporary position
E18d: [Is/Was] intended to provide training in research
E18e: [Is/Was] intended to advance professional skills
E18f: [Requires/Required] a full-time commitment to research
E18g: [Requires/Required] that you work under the direction of a senior scholar or Principal Investigator
E18h: [Is/Was] intended to be for a defined period of time (i.e., [has/had] a term limit)
E18i: [Requires/Required] publication of research in scholarly journals
E18j: [Requires/Required] mentorship for professional development
E18k: [Is/Was] intended to prepare you for an independent career
E18l: [Has/Had] an expectation that you provide service to your institution, profession, or community
(e.g., committee work, serving as a reviewer)
1=Yes

- 19 -

0=No
97=Don't know
Administered to: All ECDs (iteration 1 only)
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C16
------------------------------------------------------------------E19:

Which of the following best [describes/described] this position?
1=Adjunct Professor
2=Assistant Professor
3=Associate Professor
4=Full professor
5=Instructor
6=Lecturer
7=Visiting Professor
8=Not applicable: no ranks designated at your institution
9=Not applicable: no ranks designated for your position
10=Other (Please specify)

Administered to: ECDs eligible for the iteration who work/worked at a postsecondary educational organization
(including FFRDCs administered by universities) (all iterations)
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C20, 2013 SDR A17
------------------------------------------------------------------E20:

What [is/was] your tenure status?
1=Not applicable: No tenure system at your institution
2=Not applicable: No tenure system for your position
3=Tenured (Please specify the year tenure was awarded)
4=On tenure track but not tenured
5=Not on tenure track

Administered to: ECDs eligible for the iteration who work/worked at a postsecondary educational organization
(including FFRDCs administered by universities) (all iterations)
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C21 and 2013 SDR A18
------------------------------------------------------------------E21:

[Does/Did] this position require clinical research or practice?
1=Yes
0=No

Administered to: All ECDs eligible for the iteration (all iterations)
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C22
------------------------------------------------------------------E22:

To what extent [is/was] your work in this position related to your [PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.]?
Would you say...
1=closely related,
2=somewhat related, or
3=not related?

Administered to: All ECDs eligible for the iteration (iteration 1 only)
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C23 and 2013 SDR A27
-------------------------------------------------------------------

- 20 -

E23:

In what field [are/were] you working?

NOTE: A coding application will be used to code to the Classification of Instructional Programs.
Administered to: ECDs eligible for the iteration who work/worked in a field not related to their highest degree field
(iteration 1 only)
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C24, 2013 SDR A21
------------------------------------------------------------------E24:

Did any of the following factors influence your decision to work in an area outside the field of your
[PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.]?
(Select one response per row)
E24a: Pay, promotion opportunities
E24b: Working conditions (e.g., hours, equipment, working environment)
E24c: Personal career or professional interests
E24d: Family-related reasons (e.g., children, spouse's or partner's job location)
E24e: Geographic location of position
E24f: Position in your doctorate field of study was not available
E24g: Opportunity for training outside doctorate field of study
E24h: Some other reason (Please specify)
1=Yes
0=No

Administered to: ECDs eligible for the iteration who work/worked in a field not related to their highest degree field
(iteration 1 only)
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C25 and 2013 SDR A28
------------------------------------------------------------------E25:

The next series of questions are about your search for this position and how you decided to take it.
What was the primary way you found this position?
1=An advertisement in a journal, publication, or website (including job postings on the employer’s website)
2=Residency match
3=Through your graduate advisor
4=Through a mentor other than your graduate advisor
5=Through another colleague, peer, family member, or friend
6=You contacted this employer directly
7=You were contacted directly by someone at this employer
8=You were promoted from an internship within the organization
9=You were promoted from another position within the organization
10=Professional organization
11=Other (Please specify)

Administered to: All ECDs in iteration 1; Postdocs only in iterations 2 & 3
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C26
------------------------------------------------------------------E26:

Were you offered other positions at the time you accepted this position?
1=Yes
0=No

Administered to: All ECDs in iteration 1; Postdocs only in iterations 2 & 3
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C27
-------------------------------------------------------------------

- 21 -

E27:

What factors were important in your decision to take this position?
(Select one response per row)
E27a: It was the only position you were offered at the time
E27b: Opportunity to conduct and publish your own independent research
E27c: Opportunity to teach
E27d: Opportunity to make a positive contribution
E27e: Opportunity to increase knowledge in your [PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.] degree field of
study
E27f: Opportunity for training outside of your [PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.] degree field of study
E27g: Opportunity to work in a particular department or with a particular individual
E27h: Prestige of the institution
E27i: Opportunity for promotion or tenure
E27j: Compensation (salary and benefits such as health insurance)
E27k: Family-related reasons (e.g., children, spouse's or partner's job location)
E27l: Geographic location of position
E27m: Other working conditions (including job security, hours, equipment, and research support)
E27n: Other (Please specify)
1=Yes
0=No

Administered to: d All ECDs (iteration 1 only)
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C29 (modified and based on National Postdoctoral Association survey and Sigma Xi survey)
------------------------------------------------------------------E28:

When you were offered this position, were you provided with information about...
(Select one response per row)
E28a: salary?
E28b: benefits?
E28c: the end date of the position?
E28d: the project(s) that you would be working on?
E28e: the responsibilities of the position?
1=Yes
2=No
3=Don't remember
4=Not applicable

Administered to: All ECDs (iteration 1 only)
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C31
------------------------------------------------------------------E29:

Thinking about this position, [are/were] any of the following benefits available to you, even if you
[choose/chose] not to take them?
(Select one response per row)
E29a: Dental insurance
E29b: Vision insurance
E29c: Health insurance
E29d: Life insurance
E29e: Paid sick days
E29f: Paid vacation days
E29g: Paternity or maternity leave
E29h: Retirement plan (e.g., 401(k) or 403(b)) or pension
E29i: Childcare subsidy
E29j: Tuition reimbursement or education subsidy

- 22 -

E29k: Other (Please specify)
1=Yes
0=No
9=Don’t know or not applicable
Administered to: All ECDs eligible for the iteration
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C32 and 2013 SDR A41
------------------------------------------------------------------E30:

What [is/was] your basic annual salary or wage before deductions for this position (in US Dollars)?
Please round to the nearest $1,000. Do not include bonuses, overtime, or additional compensation for
summertime teaching or research. If you [are/were] not salaried, please estimate your earned income.
E30a: Basic annual salary or wage when you started the position: $|.00
Unpaid or volunteer
1=Yes
0=No
E30b: [Basic annual salary or wage as of October 1, 2017/Basic annual salary or wage when this position
ended]: $|.00
Unpaid or volunteer
1=Yes
0=No

Administered to: All ECDs eligible for the iteration
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C33A & B, 2015 SED B8 and 2013 SDR A36
------------------------------------------------------------------E31:

We appreciate the sensitivity of this question, and assure that this information will be kept confidential.
Would you indicate which of the following categories best describes your basic annual salary or wage
before deductions for this position?
Do not include bonuses, overtime, or additional compensation for summertime teaching or research. If you
[are/were] not salaried, please estimate your earned income.
E31a: Basic annual salary or wage when you started the position
E31b: [Basic annual salary or wage as of October 1, 2017/Basic annual salary or wage when this position
ended]
-9=-Select one0=Unpaid or volunteer
1=$30,000 or less
2=$30,001 - $35,000
3=$35,001 - $40,000
4=$40,001 - $50,000
5=$50,001 - $60,000
6=$60,001 - $70,000
7=$70,001 - $80,000
8=$80,001 - $90,000
9=$90,001 - $100,000
10=$100,001 - $110,000
11=$110,001 - $120,000
12=$120,001 - $130,000
13=$130,001 - $140,000
14=$140,001 - $150,000
15=$150,001 or above
98=Rather not say

- 23 -

Administered to: ECDs eligible for the iteration who did not answer one or both parts of J1SALARY
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C34, 2015 SED B8 and 2013 SDR A36
------------------------------------------------------------------E32:

Over how many months [is/was] your annual salary disbursed?
1=12 months
2=Fewer than 12 months
(Please specify the number of months, rounding to nearest month)

Administered to: ECDs eligible for the iteration who answered one or both parts of E30 or E31
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C35 and 2012 Census of Governments Survey of Public Employment and Payroll Q3 and Q4
------------------------------------------------------------------E33:

The next questions ask about the funding for this position.
Which of the following sources [fund/funded] [your current position at this point in time/ this position]?
(Select one response per row)
E33a: U.S. federal research grant or contract
E33b: U.S. federal fellowship or training grant
E33c: U.S. state or public university funds
E33d: Private university funds
E33e: U.S. city or local government funds
E33f: Foreign (non-U.S.) government funds
E33g: Non-profit organization or foundation funds
E33h: For-profit business funds
E33i: Personal or other individually held funds
E33j: Other sources (Please specify)
1=Yes
0=No
97=DK

Administered to: All ECDs (iteration 1 only)
Source(s): Pilot ECD C36 (based on Sigma Xi survey)
------------------------------------------------------------------E34:

How many U.S. federal [grants and contracts/fellowships and grants/grants, contracts, and fellowships]
[support/supported] this position?
1=One
2=More than one (Please specify if number is known)
97=Don't know

Administered to: ECDs whose position at the ECDS institution is/was funded by a U.S. federal research
grant/contract or federal training grant/fellowship (iteration 1 only)
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C37 (based on Sigma Xi survey)
------------------------------------------------------------------E35:

Thinking about the U.S. federal fellowships, grants or contracts that [fund/funded] this position, to whom
[are/were] these awarded?
(Select one response per row)
E35a: Directly to you
E35b: Your supervisor or the Principal Investigator of the project you [work/worked] on
E35c: A research center, consortium, or lab
E35d: Your organization
E35e: Other (Please specify)

- 24 -

1=Yes
0=No
97=Don’t know
Administered to: ECDs whose position at the ECDS institution is/was funded by a U.S. federal research
grant/contract or federal training grant/fellowship (iteration 1 only)
Source(s): Pilot ECDS (based on Sigma Xi survey)
------------------------------------------------------------------E36:

Which government agencies [fund/funded] this position?
(Select one response per row)
E36a: Department of Agriculture (USDA)
E36b: Department of Commerce (Commerce)
E36c: Department of Defense (DOD)
E36d: Department of Education (ED)
E36e: Department of Energy (DOE)
E36f: Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
E36g: Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
E36h: Department of Transportation (DOT)
E36i: Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
E36j: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
E36k: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
E36l: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
E36m: National Science Foundation (NSF)
E36n: Other (Please specify)
1=Yes
0=No
97=Don’t know

Administered to: ECDs whose position at the ECDS institution is/was funded by a U.S. federal research
grant/contract or federal training grant/fellowship (iteration 1 only)
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C39
------------------------------------------------------------------E37:

[Did/Does] [employer name] consider this a full-time or part-time position? (For this question, a full-time
position is one where you are obligated to work at least 35 hours per week.)
1=Full-time
2=Part-time

Administered to: All ECDs eligible for the iteration (all iterations)
Source: New
------------------------------------------------------------------E38:

During a typical week in this position, how many hours [do/did] you work?

Administered to: All ECDs eligible for the iteration (all iterations)
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C40 and 2013 SDR A38
------------------------------------------------------------------E39:

The next questions ask about your work activities in this position.
While in this position [have/did] you...
(Select one response per row)
E39a: [written/write] technical reports or working papers?

- 25 -

E39b:
E39c:
E39d:
E39e:
E39f:
E39g:
E39h:
E39i:
E39j:

[attended/attend] professional conferences?
[served/serve] as a reviewer for a conference, journal, or organization?
[supervised/supervise] graduate students, postdocs, or staff?
[taught/teach] courses?
[provided/provide] clinical or professional services?
[developed/develop] marketable products?
[worked/work] with researchers outside your department or lab?
[served/serve] as the principal or co-investigator on funded grants?
[prepared/prepare] grant or fellowship proposals in which you [are/were] listed as the principal or
co-investigator?
E39k: [prepared/prepare] grant proposals in which you [are/were] not listed as the principal or coinvestigator?
1=Yes
0=No
Administered to: All ECDs eligible for the iteration (all iterations)
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C41 (modified and based on National Postdoctoral Association survey)
------------------------------------------------------------------E40:

On which one of the following activities [do/did] you work the most hours during a typical week in this
position?
1=Basic research
2=Applied research
3=Development
4=Teaching
5=Management or administration
6=Clinical or professional services
7=Supervising students
8=Other (Please specify)

Administered to: All ECDs eligible for the iteration (all iterations)
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C42, 2015 SED B10 and 2013 SDR A30 & A31
------------------------------------------------------------------E41:

On which one of the following activities [do/did] you work the second most hours during a typical week in
this position?
1=Basic research
2=Applied research
3=Development
4=Teaching
5=Management or administration
6=Clinical or professional services
7=Supervising students
8=Other (Please specify)
9=No secondary work activity

Administered to: All ECDs eligible for the iteration (all iterations)
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C43, 2015 SED B10 and 2013 SDR A30 & A31
------------------------------------------------------------------E42:

How often [do/did] you and your supervisor meet to discuss your work? (Do not count lab and
departmental meetings.) Would you say...
1=once a day or more,
2=at least once a week but not every day,

- 26 -

3=at least once a month but not every week,
4=at least once a year but not every month,
5=never, or
6=[do/did] not have a supervisor?
Administered to: All ECDs (iteration 1 only)
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C44 (based on National Postdoctoral Association survey and Sigma Xi survey)
------------------------------------------------------------------E43:

[Have/Did] you and your supervisor [written/write] a plan that [outlines/outlined] the expectations and
responsibilities of your position?
1=Yes
0=No

Administered to: ECDs who have/had a supervisor (iteration 1 only)
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C45 (based on National Postdoctoral Association survey and Sigma Xi survey)
------------------------------------------------------------------E44:

[Have/Did] you and your supervisor [discussed/discuss] the option of developing a plan?
1=Yes
0=No

Administered to: ECDs who did not develop a plan with their supervisor at their ECDS institution (iteration 1 only)
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C46 (based on National Postdoctoral Association survey and Sigma Xi survey)
------------------------------------------------------------------E45:

How much [does/did] the plan reflect your personal career development goals? Would you say...
1=not at all,
2=somewhat, or
3=a great deal?

Administered to: ECDs who developed a plan with their supervisor at their ECDS institution (iteration 1 only)
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C47 (based on National Postdoctoral Association survey and Sigma Xi survey)
------------------------------------------------------------------E46:

[Has/Did] your supervisor [provided/provide] you with a formal performance evaluation?
1=Yes
0=No

Administered to: ECDs who have/had a supervisor at their ECDS institution (iteration 1 only)
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C48 (based on National Postdoctoral Association survey and Sigma Xi survey)
------------------------------------------------------------------E47:

Do you expect a performance evaluation in the future?
1=Yes
0=No

Administered to: ECDs who are reporting on a current position at their ECDS institution for which they have not
had a performance evaluation (iteration 1 only)
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C49 (based on National Postdoctoral Association survey and Sigma Xi survey)
------------------------------------------------------------------E48:

With regard to your supervisor, please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following
statements.
Your supervisor...

- 27 -

(Select one response per row)
E48a: [provides/provided] appropriate recognition for your work.
E48b: [encourages/encouraged] collaboration with others.
E48c: [encourages/encouraged] increasing independence in your research or work.
E48e: [provides/provided] opportunities to work on grant proposals.
E48f: [supports/supported] publishing papers or presenting your work.
E48g: [provides/provided] career guidance
E48h: [encourages/encouraged] work-life balance.
1=Strongly disagree
2=Somewhat disagree
3=Neither agree nor disagree
4=Somewhat agree
5=Strongly agree
Administered to: ECDs who have/had a supervisor at their ECDS institution (iteration 1 only)
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C50 (modified and based on National Postdoctoral Association survey and Sigma Xi survey)
------------------------------------------------------------------E49:

While in this position, [have/did] you [attended/attend] any training workshops or training courses about
the following topics? (Select one response per row)
E49a: Grant writing
E49b: Publishing
E49c: Orientation to various career paths
E49d: Supervising people
E49e: Project management
E49f: Teaching
E49g: Clinical skills
E49g: Intellectual property
E49h: Research ethics
E49i: Other training workshops or training courses)
1=Yes
0=No

Administered to: All ECDs (iteration 1 only)
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C51 (modified and based on National Postdoctoral Association survey and Sigma Xi survey)
------------------------------------------------------------------E50:

[Does/Did] your organization have...
(Select one response per row)
E50a: a postdoctoral association?
E50b: a postdoctoral office?
E50c: a postdoctoral related agreement (i.e., a "Compact" or "Memorandum of Understanding")?
1=Yes
0=No
97=Don't know

Administered to: ECDs who are reporting on a postdoc position (iteration 1 only)
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C52 (based on National Postdoctoral Association survey and Sigma Xi survey)
------------------------------------------------------------------E51:

Now, we ask you to evaluate this position.
How much [does/did] this position meet your expectations in the following areas?

- 28 -

(Select one response per row)
E51a: Increase your subject matter knowledge
E51b: Conduct your own independent research
E51c: Publish papers
E51d: Present papers at professional conferences
E51e: Teach courses
E51f: Provide clinical or professional services
E51g: Supervised others
E51h: Write grant proposals
E51i: Worked in an interdisciplinary research environment
E51j: Collaborated or networked with colleagues
E51k: Develop marketable products or technologies
1=Less than expected
2=As expected
3=More than expected
4=No expectations
5=Not applicable
Administered to: All ECDs (iteration 1 only)
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C53 (based on National Postdoctoral Association survey and Sigma Xi survey)
------------------------------------------------------------------E52:

How satisfied [are/were] you with this position? Would you say...
1=very dissatisfied,
2=dissatisfied,
3=neither dissatisfied nor satisfied,
4=satisfied, or
5=very satisfied?

Administered to: All ECDs in iteration 1; Postdocs only in iterations 2 & 3
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C54 and 2013 SDR A35
------------------------------------------------------------------E53:

What was the primary reason you left this position?
1=Term-limited position ended
2=Promoted
3=Accepted a better position
4=Pay
5=Working conditions (e.g., hours, equipment, and working environment)
6=Change in professional interests
7=Family-related reasons (e.g., children, spouse's or partner's job location)
8=Geographic location of position
9=Position was terminated
10=Funding not renewed
11=Other (Please specify)

Administered to: ECDs eligible for the iteration who are no longer working in the position being reported on (all
iterations)
Source(s): Pilot ECDS C55 and 2013 SDR B3
------------------------------------------------------------------E54:

If you could start all over again, would you still take this position?
1=Yes
0=No

- 29 -

97=Don’t know
Administered to: ECDs eligible for the iteration (all iterations)
Source(s): New
------------------------------------------------------------------E55:

Is this the first position you held after you received your [PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.]? Remember
to consider all types of positions including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Postdoctoral appointments,
Residencies,
Fellowships,
Internships,
Part-time positions,
Unpaid positions,
Adjunct positions, and
Self-employment.

1=Yes
0=No
Administered to: ECDs who indicated they had held more than 1 position in C1 (iteration 1 only)
Source(s): New
-------------------------------------------------------------------

SECTION F: WORK AND PERSONAL LIFE
------------------------------------------------------------------F1:

Now we have some questions about the interaction of your work and personal life.
You indicated that your [PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.] was awarded in [degree month] [degree year]
and you started your first position in [start month] [start year]. What were you doing between those dates?
(Select one response per row)
F1a: Looking for work
F1b: Continuing your education
F1c: Taking care of a child or other family member
F1d: Other (Please specify)
1=Yes
0=No

Administered to: ECDs who started their first position more than a year after their highest degree was awarded
Source(s): Pilot ECDS D1
------------------------------------------------------------------F2:

[Since you started your position as a [job title of first position] position at [first employer name], have you
ever had a break from work of at least one month, including unpaid time off, unemployment, or an
extended leave from work? (Do not include paid sabbaticals.)
1=Yes
0=No

Administered to: All ECDs
Source(s): Pilot ECDS D2
------------------------------------------------------------------F3:

What was the primary reason for this time off?
1=Personal health reasons

- 30 -

2=To start a family or have more children
3=To care for a sick family member
4=To write papers from your dissertation for publication
5=To travel
6=For additional education
7=You could not find employment
8=Waiting for U.S. visa
9=For some other reason (Please specify)
Administered to: ECDs who have had a break in employment for at least one month since starting their first position
after completing their doctorate
Source(s): Pilot ECDS D3
------------------------------------------------------------------F4:

How many months did you take off?

Administered to: ECDs who have had a break in employment for at least one month since starting their first position
after completing their doctorate
Source(s): Pilot ECDS D4
------------------------------------------------------------------F5:

Would you say that your position as a(n) [ECDS institution job title] at [ECDS institution] [is/was]…
1=Not at all stressful
2=Slightly stressful
3=Moderately stressful
4=Very stressful
5=Extremely stressful

Administered to: All ECDs
Source(s): Pilot ECDS D5 (modified and based on National Postdoctoral Association survey and Sigma Xi survey)
------------------------------------------------------------------F6:

Please indicate how much you agree or disagree with the following statements about balancing your
professional and personal responsibilities [as a(n)/when you were working as a(n)] [ECDS institution job
title] at [ECDS institution].
(Select one response per row)
F6a: You [can/could] manage the demands of your position.
F6b: Your work schedule [allows/allowed] you to maintain the overall quality of life you want.
F6c: Your supervisor [understands/understood] when demands at home [interfere/interfered] with your
professional responsibilities.
F6d: Demands at home [have] slowed down progress on your professional activities.
1=Strongly disagree
2=Somewhat disagree
3=Neither agree nor disagree
4=Somewhat agree
5=Strongly agree

Administered to: All ECDs
Source(s): Pilot ECDS D6 (modified and based on National Postdoctoral Association survey and Sigma Xi survey)

- 31 -

-------------------------------------------------------------------

SECTION G: CAREER DEVELOPMENT AND PLANS
------------------------------------------------------------------G1:

Now we would like you to think about your career development and future career plans.
How important [are/were] the following knowledge, attributes, and behaviors to meeting your supervisor’s
expectations in your position as a(n) [ECDS institution job title] at [ECDS institution]?
(Select one response per row)
G1a: METHODOLOGICAL SKILLS: Applying research methodologies, tools and techniques
appropriately
G1b: INNOVATIVE THINKING: Developing new ideas, processes or products which are rooted in
research
G1c: CRITICAL AND ANALYSIS SKILLS: Critically analyzing and evaluating findings and results
G1d: SUBJECT KNOWLEDGE: Demonstrating a theoretical and practical understanding of your subject
area and its wider research context
G1e: TEAM WORK: Working constructively with colleagues, acknowledging their contribution
G1f: LEADERSHIP AND SUPERVISION: Managing and influencing others, providing direction and
encouraging their contribution
G1g: WRITING SKILLS: Communicating ideas clearly and persuasively in writing
G1h: SPEAKING SKILLS: Communicating ideas clearly and persuasively orally
G1i: PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Effectively planning, managing and delivering projects on time
0=Not used in this position
1=Not at all important
2=Slightly important
3=Moderately important
4=Very Important
5=Extremely important

Administered to: All ECDs
Source(s): Pilot ECDS E1 (modified and based on CDH 3rd edition EMP.7)
------------------------------------------------------------------G2:

For each of these, how well did your graduate program prepare you for your position as a(n) [job title at
ECDS institution] at [ECDS institution]? (Select one response per row)
G2a: METHODOLOGICAL SKILLS: Applying research methodologies, tools, and techniques
appropriately
G2b: INNOVATIVE THINKING: Developing new ideas, processes, or products, which are rooted in
research
G2c: CRITICAL AND ANALYSIS SKILLS: Critically analyzing and evaluating findings and results
G2d: SUBJECT KNOWLEDGE: Demonstrating a theoretical and practical understanding of your subject
area and its wider research context
G2e: TEAM WORK: Working constructively with colleagues, acknowledging their contribution
G2f: LEADERSHIP AND SUPERVISION: Managing and influencing others, providing direction and
encouraging their contribution
G2g: WRITING SKILLS: Communicating ideas clearly and persuasively in writing
G2h: SPEAKING SKILLS: Communicating ideas clearly and persuasively orally
G2i: PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Effectively planning, managing and delivering projects on time
1=Not at all prepared
2=Slightly prepared
3=Moderately prepared
4=Very Prepared

- 32 -

5=Extremely prepared
Administered to: All ECDs for those dimensions indicated as moderately to extremely important in E1
Source(s): Pilot ECDS G2 (modified and based on CDH 3rd edition EDU.12)
------------------------------------------------------------------G3:

To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? (Select one response per row)
G3a: Your [PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.] degree enabled you to get a position in your chosen career
track within 6 months after you completed your degree.
G3b: When you completed your [PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.], it was clear to you what career
opportunities you could aspire to.
G3c: Your [PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.] degree enabled you to make a positive contribution at
your workplace.
G3d: If you could start all over again, you would get a [PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.] in your
[PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.] field.
G3e: Your [PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.] enabled you to be innovative in your work.
G3f: In terms of your work, the transition to your first position after your [PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD
etc.] was difficult.
G3g: Having a [PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.] made a positive difference in your career.
1=Strongly disagree
2=Somewhat disagree
3=Neither agree nor disagree
4=Somewhat agree
5=Strongly Agree

Administered to: All ECDs
Source(s): Pilot ECDS E2
(modified and based on CDH 3rd edition EMP.11)
------------------------------------------------------------------G4:

Do you have any mentors?
1=Yes
0=No

Administered to: All ECDs
Source(s): Pilot ECDS E3
------------------------------------------------------------------G5:

Do you consider any of the following people to be your mentor? (Select one response per row)
G5a: [Your current supervisor/Your supervisor for your position as a(n) [job title for ECDS institution
position] at [ECDS institution]
G5b: A supervisor from another position
G5c: A senior colleague at [ECDS institution]
G5d: A senior colleague from another organization
G5e: Other colleagues or peers at [ECDS institution]
G5f: Other colleagues or peers from another position
G5g: Your [PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.] advisor
G5h: Someone else
1=Yes
0=No

Administered to: ECDs who have a mentor
Source(s): Pilot ECDS E4 (modified and based on National Postdoctoral Association survey and Sigma Xi survey)

- 33 -

------------------------------------------------------------------G6:

Whom do you primarily rely on for career development advice?
1=[Your current supervisor/Your supervisor for your position as a(n) [job title for ECDS institution
position] at [ECDS institution]]
2=A supervisor from another position
3=A senior colleague at [ECDS institution]
4=A senior colleague from another organization
5=Other colleague or peers at [ECDS institution]
6=Other colleagues or peers from another position
7=Your [PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.] advisor
8= Someone else
9=No one

Administered to: All ECDs
Source(s): Pilot ECDS E5 (modified and based on National Postdoctoral Association survey and Sigma Xi survey)
------------------------------------------------------------------G7:

During the past 12 months, did you take any work-related training, such as workshops or seminars?
Include conferences or professional meetings only if you attended a training session at the conference or
meeting.
Do not include college coursework for which you were enrolled in a degree program.
1=Yes
0=No

Administered to: All ECDs
Source(s): Pilot ECDS B6 and 2013 SDR C1
------------------------------------------------------------------G8:

For which of the following reasons did you take training during the past 12 months?
(Select one response per row)
G8a: To improve skills or knowledge in your current occupational field
G8b: To increase opportunities for promotion or advancement in your current occupational field
G8c: For licensure or certification in your current occupational field
G8d: To facilitate a change to a different occupational field
G8e: Required or expected by employer
G8f: For leisure or personal interest
G8g: For another reason
1=Yes
0=No

Administered to: ECDs who have received training in the past 12 months
Source(s): Pilot ECDS B7 and 2013 SDR C2
------------------------------------------------------------------G9:

Which of the following types of positions will you look for next?
(Select one response per row)
G9a: Permanent position
G9b: Postdoc
G9c: Temporary position other than a postdoc
1=Yes
0=No

- 34 -

Administered to: ECDs who currently are working in a position that either they or their organization considers a
postdoc
Source(s): Pilot ECDS E6 (based on National Postdoctoral Association survey and Sigma Xi survey)
------------------------------------------------------------------G10:

Thinking about the next 10 years, where do you plan to pursue your career? Would you say...
1=in the U.S.,
2=abroad, or
3=both in the U.S. and abroad?

Administered to: All ECDs
Source(s): Pilot ECDS E7 (based on National Postdoctoral Association survey and Sigma Xi survey)
------------------------------------------------------------------G11:

At the time you completed your [PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.], in which one type of organization
were you most interested in working for the first 10 years?
1= Educational institution, public or private, non-profit or for-profit
2= University-affiliated research institutes, hospitals, and medical centers
3=Government including military and intergovernmental organizations (e.g., United Nations)
4=Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC)
5=Hospital, medical care facility, or community health system not affiliated with a university
6=For-profit business other than an educational or medical organization
7=Non-profit organization or foundation other than an educational or medical organization
8=Self-employment
9=Other (Please specify)
10=Undecided

Administered to: All ECDs
Source(s): Pilot ECDS E8

------------------------------------------------------------------G12:

Currently, in which one type of organization are you most interested in working for the next 10 years?
1= Educational institution, public or private, non-profit or for-profit
2=University-affiliated research institutes, hospitals, and medical centers
2=Government including military and intergovernmental organizations (e.g., United Nations)
3=Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC)
4=Hospital, medical care facility, or community health system not affiliated with a university
5=For-profit business other than an educational or medical organization
6=Non-profit organization or foundation other than an educational or medical organization
7=Self-employment
8=Other (Please specify)
9=Undecided

Administered to: All ECDs
Source(s): Pilot ECDS E10
------------------------------------------------------------------G13:

At the time you completed your [PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.], which one career track were you
most interested in pursuing for the first 10 years?
1=Tenured or tenure-track faculty position with an emphasis on teaching
2=Tenured or tenure-track faculty position with an emphasis on research
3=Clinical-track faculty position with an emphasis on teaching
4=Clinical-track faculty position with an emphasis on research

- 35 -

5=Other non-tenure track faculty position with an emphasis on teaching
6=Other non-tenure track faculty position with an emphasis on research
7=[Other teaching/Teaching] position
8=[Other research/Research] position
9=[Other clinical/Clinical] position
10=Administrative position
11=Independent consultant or business owner
12=Other (Please specify)
13=Undecided
Administered to: All ECDs
Source(s): Pilot ECDS E 12 (based on National Postdoctoral Association survey and Sigma Xi survey)
------------------------------------------------------------------G14:

Currently, which one career track are you most interested in pursuing for the next 10 years?
1=Tenured or tenure-track faculty position with an emphasis on teaching
2=Tenured or tenure-track faculty position with an emphasis on research
3=Clinical-track faculty position with an emphasis on teaching
4=Clinical-track faculty position with an emphasis on research
5=Other non-tenure track faculty position with an emphasis on teaching
6=Other non-tenure track faculty position with an emphasis on research
7=[Other teaching/Teaching] position
8=[Other research/Research] position
9=[Other clinical/Clinical] position
10=Administrative position
11=Independent consultant or business owner
12=Other (Please specify)
13=Undecided

Administered to: All ECDs
Source(s): Pilot ECDS E14 (based on National Postdoctoral Association survey and Sigma Xi survey)
------------------------------------------------------------------G15:

What is your primary reason for this choice?
1=Your interests, strengths, and skills
2=Availability of positions
3=Work environment
4=Work-life balance
5=Opportunity for advancement
6=Funding opportunities
7=Compensation (salary and benefits)
8=Family-related reasons
9=Job security
10=Autonomy
11=Opportunity to make a positive contribution
12=Other (Please specify)

Administered to: ECDs who are most interested in the same career track as they were when they completed their
highest degree
Source(s): Pilot ECDS E16 (modified and based on National Postdoctoral Association survey and Sigma Xi survey)
------------------------------------------------------------------G16:

What is the primary reason for the change in your career track interests since completing your
[PhD/MD/EdD/PharmD/PsyD etc.]?
1=Your interests, strengths, and skills

- 36 -

2=Availability of positions
3=Work environment
4=Work-life balance
5=Opportunity for advancement
6=Funding opportunities
7=Compensation (salary and benefits)
8=Family-related reasons
9=Job security
10=Autonomy
11=Opportunity to make a positive contribution
12=Always planned to change career track
13=Other (Please specify)
Administered to: ECDs who are most interested in a different career track than they were when they completed their
highest degree OR were undecided when they completed their highest degree and now have one career track they
are most interested in
Source(s): Pilot ECDS E17 (modified and based on National Postdoctoral Association survey and Sigma Xi survey)
------------------------------------------------------------------G17:

How well do you feel your postdoc position[s] have prepared you for your desired career?
1=Not well at all
2=Somewhat well
3=Moderately well
4=Very well
5=Extremely well

Administered to: ECDs who have held a postdoctoral appointment since receiving their highest degree
Source(s): Pilot ECDS E18 (modified and based on National Postdoctoral Association survey and Sigma Xi survey)
-------------------------------------------------------------------

SECTION H: DEMOGRAPHICS
------------------------------------------------------------------H1:

Now some questions about your background.
Earlier you indicated that you are a U.S. citizen.
Are you a U.S. citizen…
1=born in the United States,
2=born in Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or Northern Marianas,
3=born abroad of American parent or parents, or
4=by naturalization?

Administered to: ECDs who are U.S. citizens
Source(s): Pilot ECDS F7, 2015 SED C7 and 2013 SDR E8
------------------------------------------------------------------H2:

Now some questions about your background.
Earlier you indicated that you are not currently a U.S. citizen.
Are you currently a non-U.S. citizen...
1=with a permanent resident visa (green card), or
2=with a temporary non-resident or non-immigrant visa?

Administered to: ECDs who are not U.S. citizens
Source(s): Pilot ECDS F9, 2015 SED C7 and 2013 SDR E9

- 37 -

------------------------------------------------------------------H3:

What type of visa do you currently have?
1=F-1 or other F series temporary visa
2=H-1B or other H series temporary visa
3=J-1 or other J series temporary visa
4=TN (Trade NAFTA) temporary visa
5=Other type of temporary visa (Please specify)

Administered to: ECDs who have a temporary visa
Source(s): Pilot ECDS F10 (modified and based on National Postdoctoral Association survey)
------------------------------------------------------------------H4:

Of which country do you hold citizenship?

Administered to: ECDs who are not U.S. citizens
Source(s): Pilot ECDS F11, 2015 SED C8 and 2013 SDR E10
------------------------------------------------------------------H5:

In what year did you come to the United States for the first time to stay for a period of 6 months or more?
1995–2016

Administered to: ECDs who are not U.S. citizens or are U.S. citizens by naturalization
Source(s): Pilot ECDS F12, 2003 SDR E12
------------------------------------------------------------------H6:

How many years in total have you lived in the U.S.? If you have moved back and forth between the United
States and other countries, only count periods of time living in the United States.

Administered to: ECDs who are not U.S. citizens or are U.S. citizens by naturalization
Source(s): Pilot ECDS F13
------------------------------------------------------------------H7:

Which of the following factors influenced your decision to come to the United States?
(Select one response per row)
H7a: Career opportunity
H7b: Educational opportunity
H7c: General economic conditions
H7d: Political reasons
H7e: Family-related reasons
H7f: Overall quality of life
H7g: Other factor
1=Influenced
2=Did Not Influence

Administered to: ECDs who are not U.S. citizens
Source(s): Pilot ECDS F14, 2003 SDR E14
------------------------------------------------------------------H8:

Before arriving in the United States for the first time, did you plan to stay in the United States
permanently?
1=Yes
0=No
97=Don’t know

- 38 -

Administered to: ECDs who are not U.S. citizens
Source(s): Pilot ECDS F15
------------------------------------------------------------------H9:

Were you already in the United States on a visa before applying for your position as a(n) [job title at ECDS
institution] at [ECDS institution]?
1=Yes
0=No

Administered to: ECDs who are not U.S. citizens
Source(s): Pilot ECDS F16
------------------------------------------------------------------H10:

As things stand now, do you plan to leave the United States within the next 10 years?
1=Yes
0=No
97=Don’t know

Administered to: ECDs who are not U.S. citizens
Source(s): Pilot ECDS F18
------------------------------------------------------------------H11:

Did the following factors have an influence on your decision to leave the United States?
(Select one response per row)
H11a: Career opportunity
H11b: Educational opportunity
H11c: General economic conditions
H11d: Political reasons
H11e: Family-related reasons
H11f: Overall quality of life
H11g: Residence permit or visa issues
H11h: Other factor
1=Influenced
2=Did Not Influence

Administered to: ECDs who are not U.S. citizen and plan to return to their home country within the next 10 years
Source(s): Pilot ECDS F19
------------------------------------------------------------------H12:

Did the following factors have an influence on your decision to stay in the United States?
(Select one response per row)
H12a: Career opportunity
H12b: Educational opportunity
H12c: General economic conditions
H12d: Political reasons
H12e: Family-related reasons
H12f: Overall quality of life
H12g: Other factor
1=Influenced
2=Did Not Influence

- 39 -

Administered to: ECDs who are not U.S. citizens and do not plan to return to their home country within the next 10
years
Source(s): Pilot ECDS F20
------------------------------------------------------------------H13:

Have you ever served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, military Reserves, or National Guard?
1=Yes
0=No

Administered to: All ECDs
Source(s): Pilot ECDS F8
------------------------------------------------------------------H14:

What is your current marital status?
1=Married
2=Living in a marriage-like relationship
3=Never married
4=Widowed
5=Separated
6=Divorced

Administered to: All ECDs
Source(s): Pilot ECDS F21, 2015 SED C2 and 2013 SDR E1
------------------------------------------------------------------H15:

Does your [spouse/partner] currently have a paid position?
1=Yes
0=No

Administered to: ECDs who have a spouse or partner
Source(s): Pilot ECDS F22, 2013 SDR E2
------------------------------------------------------------------H16:

Not including yourself [or your spouse/or your partner], do you have any dependents, that is, children or
adults who receive at least one half of their financial support from you?
1=Yes
0=No

Administered to: All ECDs
Source(s): Pilot ECDS F23 and 2015 SED C3
------------------------------------------------------------------H17:

How many dependents do you have in each of the following age groups?
H17a: Number of dependents aged 5 years or younger
H17b: Number of dependents aged 6 to 18 years
H17c: Number of dependents aged 19 to 25 years
H17d: Number of dependents over age 25 years

Administered to: ECDs who have dependents
Source(s): Pilot ECDS F24, 2015 SED C3, CDH 3rd Edition PER.7
------------------------------------------------------------------H18:

The next several questions are designed to help us better understand the career paths of individuals with
specific functional limitations. What is the usual degree of difficulty you have with…

- 40 -

(Select one response per row)
H18a: Seeing words or letters in ordinary newsprint (with glasses/contact lenses, if you usually wear
them)?
H18b: Hearing what is normally said in conversation with another person (with hearing aid, if you usually
wear one)?
H18c: Walking or using stairs without human or mechanical assistance?
H18d: Lifting or carrying something as heavy as 10 pounds, such as a bag of groceries?
H18e: Concentrating, remembering, or making decisions because of a physical, mental, or emotional
condition?
1=None
2=Slight
3=Moderate
4=Severe
5=Unable to do
Administered to: All ECDs
Source(s): Pilot ECDS F25, 2015 SED C12 and 2013 SDR E13
------------------------------------------------------------------H19:

What is the earliest age at which you first began experiencing any difficulties in any of these areas?
Age: ______ or  Since birth

Administered to: ECDs who have a functional limitation
Source(s): Pilot ECDS F26, 2015 SED C14 and 2013 SDR E15
------------------------------------------------------------------H20:

What is the highest educational attainment of your mother and father?
Mother
1=Less than high school/secondary school graduate
2=High school/secondary school graduate
3=Some college
4=Associate’s degree
5=Bachelor’s degree
6=Master's degree (e.g., MA, MS, MBA, MSW, etc.)
7=Professional degree (e.g., MD, DDS, JD, D.Min, Psy.D, etc.)
8=Research doctoral degree
97=Not applicable/Unknown
Father
1=Less than high school/secondary school graduate
2=High school/secondary school graduate
3=Some college, vocational, or trade school other than an Associate’s degree
4=Associate degree (e.g., AA, AS, AAS)
5=Bachelor’s degree
6=Master's degree (e.g., MA, MS, MBA, MSW, etc.)
7=Professional degree (e.g., MD, DDS, JD, D.Min, Psy.D, etc.)
8=Research doctoral degree
97=Not applicable/Unknown

Administered to: All ECDs
Source(s): Pilot ECDS F27 and F28, 2015 SED C4

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-------------------------------------------------------------------

SECTION R: RECONTACT INFORMATION
------------------------------------------------------------------R1:

The final questions ask for your contact information. NSF may need to clarify your responses or ask
additional questions over time. Please provide phone numbers and email addresses where you can be
reached.
R1a: Home phone number:
R1b: Cell phone number:
R1c: Work phone number:
R1d: E-mail address:

Administered to: All ECDs
Source(s): Pilot ECDS G1
------------------------------------------------------------------R2:

We are investigating ways to make this survey shorter for early career doctorates in the future. One way
we hope to do this is to access information from an online author identifier (e.g., ORCID, Researcher ID,
Scopus ID) but first we need to learn how many early career doctorates have an account with complete
information. Do you have an online author identifier?
1=Yes
2=No, but I know what an online author identifier is
3=No, and I don’t know what an online author identifier is

Administered to: ECDs selected to participate in the online author identifier methodological study
Source(s): New
------------------------------------------------------------------R3:

With which of the following online author identifier(s) do you have an account?
R3a:
R3b:
R3c:
R3d:

ORCID
Researcher ID
Scopus ID
Other online author identifier (Please specify)

Administered to: ECDs selected to participate in the online author identifier methodological study who have an
account
Source(s): New
------------------------------------------------------------------R4:

[Would you be willing/For each of these online author identifiers, would you be willing] to share your
identifier so that we may include your data in an investigative study of this data collection approach?

Yes, my identifier is…

No, I prefer to keep it
private

I don’t know what my
identifier is

R3a. ORCID

______________





R3b. Researcher ID

______________





R3c. Scopus ID

______________





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R3d. Other online
author identifier



______________



Administered to: ECDs selected to participate in the online author identifier methodological study who have an
account
Source(s): New
------------------------------------------------------------------R5:

We are investigating ways to make this survey shorter for early career doctorates in the future. One way we
hope to do this is by accessing information from curricula vitae. If you would be willing to share your CV
so that we may include your data in an investigative study of this data collection approach, please upload it
here. Otherwise, please continue to the next screen.
Administered to: ECDs selected to participate in the CV methodological study
Source(s): New
------------------------------------------------------------------END2

Thank you for your participation. Please provide any additional details about your career experiences that
you want to share with the NSF.

Administered to: All ECDs
Source(s): Pilot ECDS G5
-------------------------------------------------------------------

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