National Study of Postsecondary Faculty (NSOPF:04) Field Test Methodology Report, 2004. Working Paper Series. NCES 2004-01

This report describes the methodology and findings of the NSOPF:04 field test that took place during the 2002?03 academic year. The NSOPF:04 field test was used to plan, implement, and evaluate methodological procedures, instruments, and systems proposed for use in the full-scale study scheduled for the 2003-04 academic year. The field test was particularly important in this cycle of NSOPF, because of several changes from prior NSOPF data collections. These included: (1) the combination of NSOPF and NPSAS into NSoFaS:04, which had important implications for the NSOPF:04 institution sample design and institution contacting procedures; (2) eliminating the paper self-administered survey mode of response; (3) using integrated web/computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) instruments; (4) shortening the faculty questionnaire; and (5) implementing measures to shorten the data collection period, such as early institution contacting and use of incentives for early response. This field test methodology report is designed to summarize the findings with regard to NSOPF for each of these changes. The methodology and findings of the NPSAS:04 field test are provided in a separate report. Appended are: (1) Technical Review Panel; (2) Facsimile Instruments; (3) Item Crosswalks; (4) Contacting Materials; (5) Training Materials; (6) CIP Code Mapping; and (7) TRP Meeting Summary.