The Effects of Networks on Institution Selection by Foreign Doctoral Students in the U.S.

本研究的目的是为政策制定者提供关于影响留学美国博士生地点选择的因素的信息，特别强调网络的影响。主要假设是网络在机构选举中有影响，这一假设将使用三种不同的方法来检验：(1)利用随机效用模型的实证分析，使用SRS获得的博士学位调查数据；(2)大学S和AMP的网页；将对研究实验室进行审查，以测试实验室主任的国籍是否是影响机构选择的因素；(3)将成立焦点小组，以询问参与者方案选择过程以及网络是否影响他们的决定。

The goal of this study is to provide input to policymakers on the factors influencing location choice for oreign doctoral students studying in the U.S., with specific emphasis on the effects of networks.The main hypothesis is that networks have an effect in the institutional election and this hypothesis will be examined using three different methods: (1) an empirical analysis utilizing random utility models using data from SRS Survey of Earned Doctorates, (2) web pages of university S&E research laboratives will be examined to test whether nationality of the lab directoris a factor influencing institution choice, (3) focus groups will be formed in order to inquire about participants program selection processes and if networks affected their decision.