Iota Zeta Research Grant

The applicant must:

• Be a member of the Iota Zeta Chapter. Membership in Sigma Theta Tau International must be current at the time of application and funding. If there are multiple investigators, the principal investigator must be a member.
• Not have received Iota Zeta funding in the last 12 months.

1. Completed applications will be accepted three times a year—January 15th, April 15th, and October 15th and should be submitted electronically to the chair of the Research Committee.
2. All correspondence will be addressed to the principal investigator (the individual responsible for the conduct of the proposed research and submission of the final report).
3. The format for the proposal should be in the most current version of APA style (including title page, page numbers, and a running head).
4. Submitted applications must be complete and should include the following:
   1. Abstract of the proposed research (250 words or less).
   2. Proposal body and references (see preparation of application for specific directions).
   3. Single-spaced proposal body that is no greater than 5 pages in length (references not counted in page limit). The font size must be Arial 11 point or Times New Roman 12 point.
   4. Biographical sketch of each investigator (NIH biographical sketch format SF 424 preferred but will accept CV or resume any of which should not exceed 2 pages)
   5. Appropriate appendices (see preparation of application for details).

1. Title of Proposal – include key words that describe the type of research, population, and important variables.
2. Abstract – a succinct description of the proposed research that includes the research purpose/specific aims, design, sample/setting, measures, procedure, and analysis plan. The abstract should be 250 words or less.
3. Proposal body (Maximum of 5 pages)
   • Specific Aims – State the purpose of the study. Briefly describe the background for the proposed research. Include specific aims/hypotheses.
   • Background/Significance – Briefly describe the conceptual framework that will guide the research. Critically evaluate existing knowledge and identify the knowledge gaps the proposed research intends to fill. Describe the importance of the investigation to nursing. Identify the next research steps and how this research fits into a larger program of research.
   • Methods
     • Design – Describe the research design to be used.
     • Sample and Setting – Describe the target population. Specify sample size, rationale for sample size, sampling technique, and sampling procedures. Provide inclusion and exclusion criteria. Describe the setting in which the research will take place. Include evidence of access to setting in appendices.
     • Measures – Describe the conceptual and operational definitions of the variables. Report the reliability and validity of the instruments used to measure each variable.
     • Procedure – Specify how data will be collected. Include a timetable of events. Discuss limitations of the research. Address research risks and the protection of the subjects.
     • Data Analysis Plan – Describe the data analysis methods for each aim/hypothesis.
   • References – Provide a references list using the most recent version of APA style.
4. Appendices
   • Budget and Budget Justification – Include only expenses essential to the conduct of the proposed research. Funds may not be used for investigators’ salaries, expenses related to education, or indirect costs. Educational expenses not covered by these funds include expenses for preparation of theses and dissertations, travel associated with thesis/dissertation approval, tuition, and textbooks.
   • Documentation of review by appropriate Institutional Review Board (IRB) or timetable for review. Research funds will not be released until the Research Chairperson receives documentation of approval by the IRB.
   • Documentation of access to subjects, letters of support if applicable. Include letters of support from individuals administratively responsible for access to potential subjects and other resources necessary to complete the research.

• Electronically submit a completed research proposal in pdf format to Dr. Kate Adelstein, Chair of the Research Committee. Applications not in pdf format or in multiple documents will not be reviewed. The PI’s name and the date of submission must be included in the title of the file.
• Complete the research within 12 months of funding.
• Submit a final report to the Iota Zeta Research Committee upon completion of the research.
• Acknowledge the Iota Zeta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International as a funding source in any research presentation or publication that arises from the research.
• Agree to present research findings at a meeting of the chapter or another venue designated by the chapter.