In 1973, 1975, and 1977 surveys of the doctorate-holding scientists and engineers in the United States were conducted by the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences. The science and engineering (S/E) population surveyed consisted of individuals who held S/E doctorates or who had received doctorates in non-S/E fields but were employed in S/E positions. The 1973 survey took account of individuals who had received their doctorates between January 1, 1930 and June 30, 1972, inclusive. Subsequent surveys in this series continued to take account of the 42-year period by dropping the two oldest cohort years while adding the two most recent. Results of the latest survey indicate the following for the years 1973-1977: (1) There has been a shift in the work activities of the S/E doctoral work force, especially in the areas of teaching and research and development (R&D); (2) The educational level of the total R&D work force has improved as indicated by an increase in the proportion of Ph.D.'s; (3) The unemployment rate of S/E Ph.D.'s has remained low and stable; and (4) Significant gains have been made by women and racial minorities in joining the ranks of doctoral S/E's. (Author/MA)