Psychological Research Grant

Application deadline extended to May 15, 2015

Description

The intent of this grant is to fund innovative psychological science research projects. Students in all fields of psychology and neuroscience and are DCPA members are eligible to submit.
Funds for this $1,000 scholarship must be used to support the proposed research. This grant may be used for thesis, dissertation or other research.

Eligibility

DCPA grants are available to graduate student members of DCPA who are enrolled at least half-time as a student in good standing at a regionally accredited university. Undergraduates are not eligible for these grants, nor are DCPA committee members.

How to apply

Each application must include all of the following materials:

1. If you are resubmitting an application, you may provide a one-page cover letter describing your revisions.
2. An abbreviated curriculum vitae (not to exceed two pages single-spaced) highlighting research experience and accomplishments.
3. An abbreviated research proposal (not to exceed three pages single-spaced) that includes specific aims, background, significance, proposed research methodology, implications of proposed research and detailed budget. Any figures, tables or appendices must fit within the page limit but the references section may be on a separate page. The research proposal will be evaluated based upon the quality of the background/introduction, project motivation/rationale, proposed methodology and theoretical implications/overall merit.
4. One letter of recommendation from your department Chair or a faculty member familiar with your research/proposal.
5. Please submit each of these items as a separate PDF file. We will not accept Word documents. Letters of recommendation (if and only if stated as a requirement above) should also be in PDF form; however, we will accept both Word and PDF versions of the letter of recommendation only.

Submissions

Please note that all applications must be emailed by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on the day of the deadline (May 15, 2015); all application materials must be submitted at that time. No mail submissions will be accepted. If you are not a DCPA member at the time of submission you may attach a copy of the receipt you get when you join DCPA electronically as proof of your membership. Submit your application by email to Jean.Gearon@gmail.com with your full name and the words “Research Grant Application” in the subject line.

Please read this carefully: Late submissions will not be accepted. You will receive notification of our award decision by June 15, 2015.

Please read FAQs about the Basic Psychological Science Research Grant. 

Basic Psychological Science Grant FAQs

Eligibility

I am currently writing my psychology PhD abroad and was wondering if I could apply for this grant even if my PhD program is not based in the U.S. and I am not a U.S. citizen.

Unfortunately, you are not eligible for this grant.

I previously received this award. Am I eligible to apply again?

Previous recipients of the award are not eligible to apply.

I am a member of DCPA, but I am pursuing a doctoral degree in public policy. Am I still eligible to apply?

Yes, you are eligible to apply.

I am graduating soon. Am I still eligible to apply?

You are only eligible to apply if the project will be completed while you are still a graduate student.

I am currently a doctoral student in an applied social and community psychology program. Would I still be eligible to apply for the grant?

The Basic Psychological Science Research grant is open to all graduate students in psychology, neuroscience and related fields.

Are current DCPA committee members eligible to apply for this grant?

Members of DCPA Committees cannot apply for any DCPA grants/scholarships.

My grant application was not awarded. May I reapply? 

Yes, you may revise your application and resubmit in the next funding round. If you are resubmitting we recommend that you draft a cover letter (not to exceed one page) that addresses how you have modified and improved your proposal.

Application

For this section, "An abbreviated research proposal (not to exceed three pages, single spaced) that includes specific aims, background and significance, proposed research methodology, implications of proposed research, and detailed budget," do I have to fit my references into the three pages along with the proposal and the budget?

The reference section does not have to fit into the research proposal section; it can go on a separate page. You should ensure that you follow APA guidelines regarding font size and margins; if any questions arise, please email the DCPA Student Grant Committee Chair, Jean Gearon, PhD, at Jean.Gearon@gmail.com .

Review Process

How are the Basic Psychological Science Research Grants reviewed?

Grant applications are reviewed by members of the DCPA Student Grant Committee. The reviewers generate scores based upon the strength of components of the research proposal and CV. The committee discusses the finalists and votes on the best grant applications.

What criteria do reviews use when evaluating grant applications?

Grants are primarily reviewed/scored based upon the strengths of the following components: background literature, significance, project motivation/rationale, proposed methodology and theoretical implications/overall merit. Other components of the application — CV and cover letter (if resubmitting) — may be weighted less heavily than the research proposal but are still important.

How can I become a reviewer for the DCPA Basic Psychological Science Grant?

Apply to become a member of the DCPA Student Grant Committee. Reviewing Basic Psychological Science Research Grants is one of our primary activities and we are always looking for energetic psychological scientists to join our group. If you are interested in serving on the DCPA Student Grant Committee, please email for more information.

Announcement/Feedback

Will I receive any feedback on my application?

Due to the large number of applications, we cannot provide you with feedback.

When can I expect to hear a decision regarding the status of my application?

We will announce the winner on June 15, 2015.

Award Funds

How may I use the grant funds?

The funds can only be used to defray the direct costs of research. Typical direct costs include participant payment, pertinent software or equipment, and books or instruction manuals critical to one's line of research. The funds cannot be used for personal computers, classroom books, or conference travel. If you have a question as to whether an item in your proposed budget is acceptable or unacceptable, make sure to ask, via email, before submitting your application.