The PDP evaluated lists for their potential to contribute to a sampling frame of postdoc employers of individual postdocs. The process consisted of a series of tasks:
1. Identifying list sources with the potential to fill known gaps in data (particularly for postdocs with PhD-equivalent or non-US degrees). Information was gathered about the:
- List ability to cover known gaps in data
- List maintenance and updates
- Procedures for procurement of the lists, including efforts and costs involved
The PDP was interested in lists that could be obtained periodically at a reasonable cost.
2. Conducting administrative data reviews and list comparisons using traditional data-management tools to determine:
- The degree of overlap among lists
- Which lists provide contact and demographic information for institutions or individuals
3. Testing whether the:
- Institutions on the list employed postdocs
- Individuals on the list were postdocs
and gathering information about list quality with a quick-turnaround list-assessment interview.
The questionnaire and methodology were tailored to the needs of a particular list. This customization helped PDP get the most use from each list in a short time.
4. Evaluating the data from the list-assessment surveys and other data.
5. Generating postdoc counts.
6. Documenting the process and findings.
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