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在美国学习的外国博士生区位选择的因素的输入，主要假设是网络在机构选举中有影响，这一假设将通过三种不同的方法进行检验：（1）使用SRS获得的博士生调查数据，利用随机效用模型进行实证分析;（2）检查大学S& E研究实验室的网页，以检验实验室主任的国籍是否是一个因素影响机构选择，（3）将形成焦点小组，以询问参与者的方案选择过程，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.