CALL FOR RESEARCH PROPOSAL FOR SIGMA THETA TAU LAMBDA CHAPTER RESEARCH GRANT AWARD

 WHO:               Open to all Sigma Theta Tau members.

WHAT:             Sigma Theta Tau International Lambda Chapter is posting a call for research proposals for its 2010 Research Grant Award. Two awards will be given, up to $2,000 per award.

WHEN:             Deadline for submission is March 31, 2010.

HOW:               1) Read the attached Research Grant and Research Proposal guidelines.

                        2) Submit the following:

• Research Grant Application Form (avaiable in the Center for Nursing Research, 317 Cohn)
• Research Grant Agreement Form (avaiable in the Center for Nursing Research, 317 Cohn)
• Research Proposal
• Appropriate Appendices (e.g., CV‘s, HIC forms as necessary)

3) Submit to:

Janet Harden, PhD, RN, CNAA-BC

            Board Member, Lambda Chapter Sigma Theta Tau

            Wayne State University College of Nursing

            372 Cohn Building,

5557 Cass Ave.

            Detroit, MI  48202

QUESTIONS:    Contact Dr. Harden at (313) 577-4126, or by email at: jharden@wayne.edu

General Guidelines for Research Grants

Sigma Theta Tau Lambda Chapter

2010

 

I          Purpose of the Research Grant Award

The purpose of the grant is to encourage research by qualified nurses and/or nursing students to advance knowledge in the area of nursing science.

I          Criteria for Awarding Grants

A)      Applicants must meet one of the following criteria

1         Hold formal preparation in the conduct of nursing research with a graduate degree in nursing, or

2         Enrolled in a higher degree program in nursing with direct supervision of a teacher meeting above criteria. (Student Applicant should submit letter of support from faculty advisor.)

B)      Application

1         Submit application and a written research proposal according to the instructions. (Data collection may be in process. Funds will not be distributed until documentation of HIC approval is received.)

2         Submit a signed formal agreement for money usage and public report findings.

C)      Competitive Basis for Fund Allocation

1         Quality of written proposal.

2         Contribution of the research proposed to nursing science and public benefit, or research that aids the scientific education of nursing students.

3         Research proposal budget and budget justification.

4         Research funds available and number of proposals submitted.

5         Preference will be given to Lambda Chapter Sigma Theta Tau members, other attributes being equal. (No member of the research awards committees is eligible for funding while participating in the review of applications.)

III.  Grant Allocation

During the 2009-2010 Academic year, Lambda Chapter will award up to two (2) research grants. The maximum amount to be awarded for each grant is $2,000.

IV.  Grant Review

All applications will be reviewed by the Lambda Chapter Research Committee, consisting of three appointed or elected chapter members who have experience in conducting nursing research. At least two of the members will hold earned doctorates. The Chapter President is designated as ex-officio.

V.   Publicity

A)      Grant recipients are publicized.

B)      Abstracts may be reported in chapter newsletters.

C)      Completion of the studies is announced in chapter newsletters.

D)      Recipients are expected to present a brief report at a chapter meeting.

VI.  Grant Application Deadlines

All grant applications are due March 31, 2010. Send completed applications and supporting documents to:

Janet Harden, PhD, RN, CNAA-BC

Chair of Research Committee, Lambda Chapter Sigma Theta Tau

Wayne State University College of Nursing

372 Cohn Building

5557 Cass Ave.

Detroit, MI  48202

VII. Time Frame

All studies receiving Lambda Chapter Awards are to be completed within a 12-month time frame. Provide a brief statement justifying that the proposed study can be completed within that time frame, or provide justification why more time is needed.

Instructions for Preparation of Grant Proposal

Sigma Theta Tau International Lambda Chapter

2010

PART I – ABSTRACT (200 word limit)

Include an abstract of your proposed research.  Outline objectives and methods.  Specify significance to nursing, participant population, research design, instruments, and procedures. The abstract should not exceed 200 words. 

PART II – PROPOSAL & SUPPORT (Maximum of 8 pages single spaced, 12 font, 1 inch margins, Times New Roman)

Body of Proposal:

1. Purpose/Specific Aims:

State clearly the purpose of the study, including how the project makes an original contribution to nursing/health care. State concisely what the research is intended to accomplish and/or what hypothesis(es) is(are) to be tested.

2. Significance of Project:

Provide the background of your proposal. Critically evaluate existing knowledge. Specify the gaps that the project is intended to fill. State concisely the importance of the research in terms of the contribution to nursing and healthcare, potential for leading to further methodology, or theory development.

3. Conceptual/Theoretical Framework or Rationale:

Summarize the theoretical framework or rationale as appropriate, addressing the relationship among the specific aims, the literature, key concepts, variables and instruments.

4. Literature Review:

Literature may be reviewed as a separate section or as part of the purpose/specific aims, significance of the project, or conceptual/theoretical framework. Include current literature that is directly pertinent to the project and that assists in clarification of purpose and procedures.

5. Design and Methods:

Discuss in detail the methodological approach, the research design, and the procedures to be used to accomplish the specific aims. Discuss potential difficulties and limitations of the proposed procedures and alternative approaches to achieve the aims.

a. Research Design:

Describe the design of the research.

b. Participants and Setting:

Describe the target population and characteristics of the participants.  Include the number of participants, the rationale for sample size, the sampling frame, the sampling procedure, and the setting for data collection.

c. Apparatus and/or instruments:

Report the specific characteristics of the instruments, including their reliability, validity, and/or sensitivity.  Address how the tool will be used.  The instruments(s) (e.g., a questionnaire) should be included in an appendix.

d. Procedure:

Describe the design and the procedure to be used for the proposed data collection.  Specify the kinds of data you expect to obtain.  Give details of client/participant selection and intervention, if one is involved.  Discuss potential problems with and/or limitations of the design and/or procedures.  Discuss in detail any procedure, situation, and/or material in your proposed research that may be hazardous to participants.  Indicate precautions to be exercised.  Include an orientation plan for data collectors, if appropriate.

e. Plan for Data Management/Analysis:

      Describe the means by which the data will be merged, analyzed, and/or interpreted.

f. Human Participants or Animal Use:

Provide a statement of the participant’s rights and risk.  Provide a statement of the procedure used for animals.  Include a copy of the Human Investigation Committee (HIC) approval and a copy of the human participant consent form. The approval and consent form are not included in the 8 page word limit and are requested as an appendix.  If HIC approval is pending at the time of submission, please indicate that.  If HIC approval is received prior to March 31, 2010, please add it to your proposal.  If it is received after March 31, 2010, please send a copy of it to Sigma Theta Tau Lambda at the following address:

Dr. Janet Harden

            Sigma Theta Tau Lambda Chapter

            Wayne State University College of Nursing

            372 Cohn Building

5557 Cass Avenue

            Detroit, MI  48202

Please note that proposals without HIC approval will not be funded.

6.Time Frame and Support

a. Time Frame:

Provide a 12-month schedule that specifies the timing of the main steps of the investigation.  Justify that the project can be completed within the time frame.

b. Facilities/Resources/Support:

Describe the facilities and other physical resources available for this study (e.g., laboratories, clinical resources, office space, etc.)

c. Mentoring or Consultative Support:

Include a description of availability of adequate mentoring and/or consultation to assure refinement and completion of the project.

If applicant is a student, attach a letter of support from a faculty advisor/mentor.

NOTES:

Documentation of Human Investigation Committee approval required prior to funding.