Research

Research

Draft 3:  9-30-98

RESEARCH-GRANT PROGRAM

SPONSORED BY:

SIGMA THETA TAU BETA PHI CHAPTER

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The Research-Grant Program is designed to encourage and facilitate research efforts by members of Beta Phi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau.  It is intended to enhance the individual member's scholarship and ability to pursue research activities in all areas related to nursing.  This program supports the dissemination of research through presentations and publications.

2.0 ELIGIBILITY

All member of the Beta Ph Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau, who are in good standing are eligible to apply for grants under this program.  Members of the Scholarship Committee are not eligible to apply for grants as Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator.  This program is not intended for purchase of equipment for non-research purposes or to satisfy requirements for a degree.

3.0 REVIEW OF PROPOSALS

Awards are made by the Executive Committee of Beta Phi Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau, based on recommendations by the Scholarship Committee.  The proposal evaluation criteria are used to establish the recommendations.  By majority vote, the Scholarship Committee will recommend which proposals will be supported and the level of support that will be provided.

4.0 GUIDELINES AND FORMAT

The proposal should provide a clear and complete narrative account of the proposed research project.  It should include what is to be done, why, and how.  It must be focused toward enhancing the respective member's research skills/program.

The proposal should clearly indicate a date for the completion of the project.  This must normally be no longer than twelve months from the proposed beginning date.

Proposals should follow the format given in Section 8.0.  Proposals should not exceed six double-spaced pages including the cover and budget pages.  The original and six copies of the proposal must be signed by the member.

If two or more members collaborate on submission of a proposal, one must be designated the Principle Investigator with responsibility for budget expenditures and coordination of the effort, and others as Co-Investigators.

Funds available for this solicitation will enable the Scholarship Committee to make awards up to $500.00 per proposal.  In general, $1000.00 per year will be budgeted and awarded from the Research-Grant program.

5.0 BETA PHI RESEARCH FORUM

All research-grant awardees are required to present their results at the Beta Phi Research Forum or its equivalent a year following the awarding of the grant.  In addition, the awardees are required to prepare a paper which will be included in the proceedings of the Research Forum.  The paper will be considered as the deliverable and final report on each research-grant.

6.0 EVALUATION CRITERIA

The principle criteria considered by the Scholarship Committee in evaluation of a proposal is its relevance to Sigm Theta Tau's mission of scholarship and research.  Specific proposal-related evaluation criteria are:

    • Overall scholarly quality of the proposal.
    • The Principle Investigator's (and Co-Investigator) capabilities to perform the research.
    • Scholarly contribution to the discipline.
    • Clarity of research plan and reasonableness of the proposed budget.
    • Adherence to instructions and Sigma Theta Tau purpose.

7.0 AWARDS

The Scholarship Committee will notify the members of Beta Phi Chapter each May in its newsletter of the timeline for the Research-Grant Program.  In general, the deadline for the submission of the proposals will be August 15 of each year.  The Scholarship Committee will meet within one month after the closing date to review proposals.  Based on the recommendations of the Scholarship Committee, the Executive Committee will notify the selected proposers by Oct. 1.

8.0 PROPOSAL

The proposal should follow the guidelines listed below:

I.  Introduction

In an introductory paragraph give a statement, not to exceed one-half page, which describes your research proposal.

II.  Work Statement

    • Statement of overall objectives and justifications of the work.

    • Relation of proposed work to present state of knowledge in field.

    • General plan of work including description of methods and procedures.

    • Work statement should be prepared in a manner that addresses Evaluation Criteria.

III.  Budget Page

    • Salaries and wages (Include statement as to what person will do)

      Funds may be used to support salaries and wages for individuals other than a member of Sigma Theta Tau if their work is important to the completion of the research project by the member.  Typical examples are, graduate and undergraduate student support required in the acquisition, development and preparation of research materials and date, and computer operation assistance.

    • Operating Expenses

      1. Supplies
      2. Duplication/Reproduction
      3. Postage
      4. Software

    • Travel

      Funds are not provided for routine attendance at professional meetings, but there are available for travel required to complete the research.  Justification of travel and explanation of role in accomplishing the research project must be included in the proposal.

    • Equipment/Instrumentation

      Any equipment/instrumentation acquired under the grant is owned by Beta Phi Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau.  All purchases for equipment must be supported in the proposal relative to need for accomplishment of the proposed research effort.