The sample frame of schools for inclusion in the first stage of the sample is obtained from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System data base maintained by the National Center for Education Statistics . The sample frame for the selection of graduates is obtained from representatives of the institutions selected at the first stage. Other institutions are selected proportionately to a measure of size, which reflects the maximum percentage of graduates in each of the degree fields within level of degree categories. The measure of size is adjusted to increase the probability of selection of institutions with relatively high percentages of graduates in targeted minority groups. Target sampling rates for each degree field are determined.
Target rates are higher for small fields than for large ones.
These target rates are used in conjunction with the first-stage sampling rates for the institutions to determine the sampling rate to be used at the second stage for each institution, degree field, and level of degree combination. A total of 14,000 individuals were selected in 1997. The 1997 survey was conducted for SRS under contract by Westat. Mail data collection procedures were used in a small number of cases when an address could be obtained but no phone number was available or the respondent requested a mail instrument. The 1997 instrument used in the mail phase of the survey was somewhat different from the CATI instrument.