How were the ranges of rankings calculated?
The ranges of rankings were produced from a complex statistical analysis. A brief summary follows. The complete methodology is found here. Overall S- and R- ranges of rankings are derived from the values of the indicators and the field-specific weights for each variable. The S- and R- weights differ by field, recognizing that faculty members in different disciplines value different aspects of doctoral programs. The 20 variables (see pp. 7-8 of this overview) are weighted to produce quantitative estimates of program quality. The field-specific weights are based on two faculty opinion surveys conducted in spring 2007. • S-weights, based on surveys: The first survey asked all faculty across all fields to rate the importance of 21 variables that influence overall program quality. • R-weights, based on regressions: The second survey, the “implicit” or “anchoring study,” asked subset of faculty to rate a sample of programs in their field. Regression analysis was then used to determine which
