Call for Grant Proposals for Research to Enhance the Impact and Diversification of Psychology & Law Research

2024 Call for Proposals

The American Psychology-Law Society (AP-LS) invites research proposals for Research to Enhance the Impact and Diversification of Psychology & Law Research. The intent of this grant initiative is to advance a more interdisciplinary science that addresses understudied topics in psychology and law, as well as to broaden the discipline and amplify its practical impact. Proposed projects must investigate new or understudied topics in psychology and law, enhance the diversification of psychology and law research through novel theoretical or methodological approaches that are cross-disciplinary in nature, and/or promote the impact of research by considering novel populations or new problems or processes within the legal system; the proposed project is to include collaboration with practitioners or policymakers. Successful proposals are expected to involve projects with the potential to transform and impact the field by furthering novel lines of research inquiry and/or facilitating new cross-disciplinary collaborations.

As part of the AP-LS initiative toward a more inclusive society, grant applicatios that specifically address disadvantaged groups or understudied topic areas in psychology and law will be given preference. This includes funding scholars from traditionally underprivileged backgrounds.

Proposals may be submitted into one of two funding categories:

1. Small/Seed proposals ($1,000-$5,000 for a 12-month research period)
2. Large proposals ($15,000-$50,000 over a 12-18 month research period)

Funding should primarily support research activities and data collection efforts. Support for research assistants and necessary travel may be requested, but should not constitute the majority of the requested funds. No funds can be used to support the salary of the PI or co-PI. Funds for successful proposals will be awarded to the PI’s academic institution (via the institution’s Office of Sponsored Research or Foundation). No institutional indirect cost recovery will be permitted, and proposals submitted for consideration by this program must not be submitted for consideration by other grant programs (including AP-LS programs). Proposals submitted but not funded in previous funding cycles may be resubmitted, but all proposals will be evaluated as new proposals.

Researchers may submit a maximum of one proposal to the large grant mechanism and one proposal to the small grant mechanism. That is, researchers can be an author or co-author on a maximum of one proposal to each of the grant categories.

Students may not be PIs on proposals, although they may be Co-PIs.

How to Submit a Pre-Proposal

Pre-proposal

Interested researchers should submit a 1000 word prospectus to the committee by October 15 at 11:59pm PST. The prospectus should include four sections:

1. Describe the project in no more than 500 words
2. Describe how the project contributes to the Research Initiative in no more than 500 words (see review critieria outlined below)
3. A reference list (does not count toward the word limit)
4. Suggestions for three proposal reviewers. Suggested reviewers should not include anyone who might have a significant conflict of interest in reviewing the proposal (defined under full proposal “significant collaborators”). Please include the full name and email address of each suggested reviewer.

Please include the PI/Co-PI name, title, and email address. The pre-proposal must be received by 11:59pm PST on October 15, 2023.

Based on review of the pre-proposals, investigators will be notified by November 15th about whether they are invited to submit a full proposal application. Full proposal applications will be due by December 18th at 11:59pm PST.

Pre-Proposal Review Criteria

Contribution to the Research Initiative. To what extent and in what ways does the proposal contribute to the AP-LS Research Initiative? The specific criteria used ask to what extent does the proposal:

• investigate new or understudied topics in psychology and law;
• promote the impact of research by considering novel populations;
• use approaches that are cross-disciplinary in nature;
• enhance the diversification of psychology and law research through novel theoretical approaches;
• promote the impact of research by considering new problems or processes;
• enhance the diversification of psychology and law research through novel methodological approaches;
• further novel lines of research that have potential to be transformative and impactful to the field; and
• facilitate new cross disciplinary collaborations to be transformative and impactful to the field?

How to Submit a Proposal

The Full Proposal Process

For investigators invited to submit full proposal applications, full proposal applications are due by December 18, 2023 at 11:59pm PST.

Proposals should include:

1. PI and co-PI contact information and affiliations, and requested award amount/category;
2. A 500 word abstract that summarizes the proposed project and highlights the project’s contributions to this Research Initiative;
3. A 3500 word project summary (for Small/Seed grants) or a 6000 word project summary (for Large grants). The summary should include a rationale for the proposed project; situate the novelty of the project within the existing literature; detail the proposed methods, data analytical approach, and timeline for completing the project; and specify the project’s contributions to this Research Initiative (see Full Proposal Review Criteria below);
4. A reference list (does not count toward the word limit);
5. A two-page CV for each PI and co-PI contributing to the project, including a list of “significant collaborators” that includes dissertation and master’s thesis advisors, current and past students, co-authors within the last 5 years, editors who have edited a book in which you have a chapter published, and authors who have published in a book you have edited;
6. A proposed budget that details anticipated expenditures and a budget justification that links the requested funds to the proposed activities;
7. A statement of significant financial interest that discloses whether the researchers have significant financial interest in the outcome of the research proposal.

All submitted proposals will be reviewed by the AP-LS Research Committee and selected proposals will be recommended for funding to the AP-LS Executive Committee. External (ad hoc) peer-review of proposals will be solicited to facilitate the review process. Awards will be made following the March AP-LS annual meeting.

PIs of funded projects are expected to submit annual and final reports to the AP-LS Research Committee Chair that details the activities, findings, and budget expenditures associated with the proposed research. PIs also will be asked to present their findings at the AP-LS annual meeting during a special poster session highlighting this research initiative; the PI or members of the collaborating research team may also submit a symposium or individual paper to be reviewed in accordance with the normal conference review process.

Proposal Review Criteria

1. Contribution to the Research Initiative. To what extent and in what ways does the proposal contribute to the AP-LS Research Initiative? The specific criteria used ask to what extent does the proposal:
   • investigate new or understudied topics in psychology and law;
   • promote the impact of research by considering novel populations;
   • use approaches that are cross-disciplinary in nature;
   • enhance the diversification of psychology and law research through novel theoretical approaches;
   • promote the impact of research by considering new problems or processes;
   • enhance the diversification of psychology and law research through novel methodological approaches;
   • further novel lines of research that have potential to be transformative and impactful to the field; and
   • facilitate new cross disciplinary collaborations to be transformative and impactful to the field?
2. Contribution to the field of psychology and law. What is the overall contribution to the field of psychology and law? Does this proposal have potential to contribute to advancing knowledge within the field and/or transforming policy or practice?
3. Scientific quality of the proposal. What is the scientific merit of the proposal? Is the proposal methodologically appropriate, thorough, and rigorous? Is the analytical approach appropriate? Is the timeline realistic?
4. Overall rating. What is the overall assessment of the proposal? What is the funding recommendation?

Contact Us

American Psychology-Law Society
AP-LS Research Committee
kienzlem@apsu.edu

Call for Grant Proposals for Early Career Professionals

Call for Proposals

The American Psychology-Law Society (AP-LS) Committee on Early Career Professionals funds annually several grants of up to $5,000. The purpose of this award is to support AP-LS members who are ECPs (within 10 years of receiving their last degree) to conduct research related to psychology and law. These awards are not limited only to members who are psychologists; they are open to AP-LS members from all backgrounds.

Eligibility

To receive an award,

• The applicant must be an Early Career Professional, defined by APA as those within ten years of receiving their last degree.
• Applicants and any co-applicants must be classified as ECPs upon the application deadline for that year.
• Applicants may submit only one award proposal per funding cycle. In addition, to maximize the impact of the program, a strong preference will be given to those applicants who never have received an AP-LS ECP Grants-in-Aid.
• Under exceptional circumstances, the committee may consider a second award. The possibility of a second award will be a rare occurrence, and the previous award must be completed prior to submitting a second proposal.
• Proposals that represent "seed money" for larger projects and proposals that are for "standalone" projects will be accepted.
• Applicants are encouraged but not required to secure matched funding from employers to support the proposed research.
• All applicants and any co-applicants must be active members of AP-LS.

Award Amounts

Funding up to $5,000 per award is available. Funding should primarily support research activities and data collection efforts (e.g., equipment, participant payments, software data transcription, hourly payment for research assistants, and expenses incurred at sites away from the home institution while collecting data). Travel to conferences and salary expenses are not eligible costs. Funds for successful proposals will be awarded to the PI’s academic institution (via the institution’s Office of Sponsored Research or Foundation). No institutional indirect cost recovery will be permitted.

Students do not qualify for the ECP grants-in-aid.

Key Dates

How to Submit an ECP Proposal

Proposals are due by October 31 of every year at 11:59 PST.

Proposal

Proposals should include:

1. PI and co-PI personal information and affiliations
2. Status of the human subjects review for the project (approval must be obtained prior to disbursement of the award)
3. Explanation regarding attempts to secure matched funding from employer (contact the ECP committee with any questions)
4. A 150-word abstract describing the proposed research.
5. A five-page single-spaced project description with 1-inch margins and 12-pt Times New Roman font or similar. You can download the formatted template here. The description should include:
• Statement of the problem. A clear statement of the research problem and its significance to psychology and law.
• Background and aims: A concise overview of the relevant empirical literature, theoretical background, and/or law related to the research problem.
• Method: a detailed description of the methodology and analytical strategies to be used. Although not required, applicants are encouraged to include an Open Science Practice Statement (or plan) with their application.
• Significance: A brief description of the significance of the project within the field of psychology and law.
6. A reference list (does not count toward the page limit);
7. A CV for each PI and co-PI contributing to the project, including a list of “significant collaborators” that includes dissertation and master’s thesis advisors, current and past students, co-authors within the last 5 years, editors who have edited a book in which you have a chapter published, and authors who have published in a book you have edited;
8. A project timeline and a proposed budget that details anticipated expenditures and a budget justification that links the requested funds to the proposed activities (If the applicant has secured additional funding for the proposed research from another funding source, please provide an explanation of how the external funds will be used—additional funding is not required and is not considered among the evaluation criteria)
9. Suggestions for at least five suggested reviewers for the project with expertise in the content area of the proposal. Suggested reviewers should not include anyone who might have a significant conflict of interest in reviewing the proposal (defined as “significant collaborators” in CV section). Please include the full name and email address of each suggested reviewer.

All project-related materials (i.e., abstract, description, timeline, budget) should be blinded. Failure to blind materials will disqualify the applicants from the program.

Awardees must submit yearly progress reports on Nov. 15 of each year until the project is complete. Upon completion of the project, awardees must submit an end-of-project report and should consider presenting the results of their research at either a subsequent AP-LS conference or in the division’s APA program.

Proposal Review Criteria

Applications first will be reviewed by at least two external reviewers; proposals will be subject to blind review. After receiving external reviews, the ECP Committee will meet to evaluate the proposals and to make funding decisions. Both the external reviews and a panel summary will be provided to the applicant, regardless of award decision.

In evaluating each proposal, outside reviewers and the panel will evaluate and provide feedback about the intellectual merit and broader impacts of the project using the following criteria:

1. Proposal Quality. What is the quality of the proposed project? Is it methodologically rigorous? Is the method thorough and complete?
2. Proposal Contribution. What is the potential contribution of the proposal to the field of psychology and law? Does it have potential to contribute to advancing knowledge in the field?
3. Proposal Originality. Does the proposal present an original idea in psychology and law? Does the proposal use new or creative methods or viewpoints to address old problems?
4. Proposal Broader Impacts. Does the proposal have potential to benefit society or advance societal outcomes? (see NSF Broader Impact criteria for ideas of broader impacts to address)
5. Overall rating. What is the overall assessment of the proposal? What is the funding recommendation?

Contact Us

American Psychology-Law Society
AP-LS Early Career Professionals Committee
ecp@ap-ls.org

Call for Graduate Student Grants-In-Aid

Eligibility

The Division 41 Graduate Student Grants-in-Aid Committee is accepting proposals for small grants (maximum of $2,000) to support empirical graduate research that addresses psycholegal issues.

1. Awards are limited to current graduate students who are active student affiliate members of AP-LS (Membership Information).
2. Applicants may submit only one application (either AP-LS Grants in Aid for Graduate Students or Grant in Aid for Graduate Students MacArthur Award) per funding cycle.
3. Research projects identified in proposals should request funding needed to complete future or early active research projects. Proposed funding requests for reimbursement of past research expenses of completed projects are not eligible.
4. Research projects identified in proposals are required to have active ethical approval from the host research institution(s) before the submission deadline. Proof of ethical (IRB) approval must be submitted along with the proposal document for an application to be deemed complete and eligible for review by the Grants in Aid Committee. Any proposed research project without notification of ethical approval before the submission deadline will be considered ineligible for the award.
5. The maximum for any individual award is set at $2,000. Any requests for funding beyond $2,000 will not be considered. Proposed research projects with an anticipated budget of over $2,000 should identify within the proposal the plan for covering the remaining costs to demonstrate that the research is feasible.
6. Applicants who previously submitted a Grant in Aid proposal that was not selected for funding are permitted to revise and resubmit their proposal for consideration during the next funding cycle.
7. Applicants who previously received Grants in Aid funding from the committee are eligible to apply for the award again to fund a new research project provided that the research from the previous award has been completed. Past award winners must include an abstract (200 words or less) in their proposal application that succinctly summarizes the previous research funded by the award.

Key Dates

How to Submit a Graduate Student Grant-In-Aid Proposal

Cycle 1 Proposals are due by October 15 at 11:59 PST and Cycle 2 Proposals are due by February 15 at 11:59 PST

Proposal

A Complete Grant In Aid application should include:

1. A short grant proposal (see proposal instructions and guidelines below)
2. Documentation of active IRB approval status for the proposed research project from the host research institution(s).
3. Completed appropriate tax form: W-9 tax form (PDF, 110KB) for U.S. citizens and W-8BEN tax form (PDF, 91KB) for international students

Proposal Instruction and Guidelines:

Applicants are to provide a short grant proposal (a maximum of 2,000 words excluding abstract and references) that includes:

1. A cover sheet indicating the title of the project, name, address, phone number, and email address of the investigator.
2. An abstract of 100 words or less summarizing the project
3. Project background that reviews purpose, theoretical rationale, and significance of the project
4. Project method that provides a detailed description of the project’s participants, design, materials, and/or procedures to be employed
5. Budget and justification that identifies the specific amount requested, including a detailed project budget and justification for expenses as needed
6. References

Applicants who previously received Grants in Aid funding from the committee must include an additional abstract (200 words or less) in their proposal application that succinctly summarizes the previous research funded by the award.

Budget items typically funded include (but are not limited to) payment of subjects, photocopying, purchase of testing materials, software not typically provided via universities and electronic media. The committee does not typically provide funds for computers (though peripherals may be funded), office supplies and furniture (e.g., file cabinets), mileage, paying research assistants and software, or equipment typically available within universities. Conference and other travel costs are not funded.

Proposed research projects with an anticipated budget of over $2,000 should explain in the budget how these additional project costs intend to be covered. Projects requesting funding for payment of subjects should provide appropriate justification for both the number of participants being requested (e.g., a power analysis) and the amount of compensation being awarded for each participant. Projects requesting funding for payment of subjects from online sources (MTurk, Qualtrics panels, etc.) should provide justification for the amount of compensation being provided to subjects and account for any overhead costs charged by the site for using their services within the budget.

Proposal Review Criteria

The Grants-in-Aid committee will review and evaluate your proposal based on the following criteria:

1. Relevancy: The proposed research clearly addresses practice, research, and/or public policy directly relevant to the field of psychology and law.
2. Impact: The proposed research will have meaning for the field of psychology and law, or contribute significantly to theory or knowledge on such topics.
3. Rationale: The proposed research includes a sound, thoughtful, and logical rationale for the proposed project; the logic of the proposal and literature review is clear and strong; the proposed method flows from the rationale itself.
4. Methodology: The proposed research provides a complete and clear description of the sample, design, power, and procedure to be employed that demonstrates a sound research strategy appropriate to answer the research question(s).
5. Open Science: The proposed research employs practices that increase the transparency and accessibility of the science itself, such as (but not limited to): pre-registering hypotheses, making code and data easily accessible, or having a broad plan for disseminating findings.
6. Feasibility: The proposed research can realistically be completed by students as outlined in the proposal based on the planned time, sample accessibility, materials, supports, and applicant’s research training and abilities.
7. Budget: The requested budget items are critical to the completion of the project, clearly detailed, justified and within the scope of the identified items traditionally funded by the Grants-in-Aid Committee. If the student is paying online participants, the fees are adequately calculated and appropriate for the amount of time participants spend.

Strong proposals will clearly articulate and support the relevancy, innovation, methodology, and feasibility of the research within the background and method of the proposal.

Contact Us

American Psychology-Law Society
AP-LS Graduate Student Grants-In-Aid Committee
grantsinaid@ap-ls.org

Process

1. Register in this system to submit a proposal.
2. Login with your email and password.
3. Create your submission and see your proposals for review under the Dashboard.
4. During the Call for Proposals, you can save your submission as a DRAFT until all the information is completed. This is the same for reviewers.
5. On completion, save your submission as FINAL. You may download and print a copy of your submission for your records by clicking the icon in the Submission Summary section in the right column. Note: If an update is required prior to the end of the Call for Proposals, you can update and re-save as FINAL. The process is the same for reviewers.