Methods
The CBCRP evaluator conducted eight exploratory interviews with CBCRP postdoctoral scholars from funding cycles I-IV to focus the evaluation and create answer choices for the close-ended questions in the larger survey. After the exploratory interviews were conducted, the CBCRP evaluator and the evaluation committee designed a survey consisting primarily of closeended questions that could be administered over the phone or via email. The questions covered the current career or employment of the postdoc, the impact the CBCRP award had on their career, outcomes from the research conducted with CBCRP funds, and commentary from respondents about CBCRP. The survey was pilot tested and minor changes were made before implementation.
CBCRP evaluation staff gathered updated contact information, sent initial contact letters via email (when available), and called each potential respondent to explain the study further and to arrange a telephone interview. Six respondents living overseas were asked to respond to the survey via email. Seven respondents living in the U.S. also chose to respond via email. Telephone interviews lasted between 15 and 30 minutes. When necessary, the staff evaluators contacted the respondent's previous mentor or colleagues to confirm or complete data given by the respondent.
Eligibility for the study consisted of the following criteria:
- Awarded postdoctoral fellowship from CBCRP during cycles I-IV (1995-1998)
- Accepted award
- Utilized at least one year of funding
During CBCRP's funding cycles I-IV, 49 postdoctoral awards were given to 48 individuals. Of those 48 people, six people returned the award before they used one year of funding so they are not eligible for the study. Of the 42 eligible respondents, CBCRP evaluation staff were able to contact and conduct interviews with 39 people. Thus, the study has a 93% response rate.
