Researchers interested in conducting studies involving the National Stuttering Association (NSA), its members, or its resources must submit an application to the NSA Research Committee (NSARC). Below are the steps and guidelines for submitting a research proposal.
Step 1: Planning to Submit a Research Proposal
Review NSARC Submission Deadlines
The NSARC reviews research applications in three annual cycles. Applications submitted after a cycle's deadline will be reviewed in the next cycle. The deadlines are as follows:
Cycle 1: Applications due by January 15th, with decisions by February 15th.
Cycle 2: Applications due by May 15th, with decisions by June 15th.
Cycle 3: Applications due by September 15th, with decisions by October 15th.
Obtain IRB Approval
Researchers from federally accredited institutions must obtain Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval before submitting their application to the NSARC. The NSA will not review proposals without proof of IRB approval, although IRB approval does not guarantee NSARC approval.
Step 2: Preparing Your Application
When accessing the NSARC’s online research proposal application system, researchers will need to provide detailed information about their study, including:
Research Proposal Name
Specific Aims and Rationale
Copy of Original IRB Application and Approval
Research Protocols/Procedures (including informed consent procedures)
Recruitment Materials (letters, scripts, etc.)
Test Instruments (surveys, questionnaires, etc.)
Informed Consent Form
Confidentiality Protections for participants
Potential Benefits and Risks to NSA and participants
Research Team Backgrounds (names, contact information, experience)
Funding Sources (and any financial interests)
Research Timeline
Expectations of NSA National Office (e.g., email distribution, conference space)
Abstract (250 words max, including title, aim, and researcher contact information)
If approved, the abstract will be posted on the NSA website to inform and potentially recruit participants.
Step 3: Application Review Process
Incomplete applications will be returned for resubmission in the next cycle. Complete applications will be reviewed by the NSARC, which will decide on one of the following actions:
Approval
Disapproval
Request for Additional Information or Modifications
Step 4: Notification of NSARC Decision
Applicants will receive a decision approximately 45 days after the cycle deadline. The NSA reserves the right to decline any application. A maximum of three surveys/studies will be approved per review cycle.
Conditions of Approval
Approval is valid for one year. Extensions require a progress report and a request at least 30 days before the end of the approved year.
No changes to approved procedures are allowed without prior NSARC approval.
Step 5: Completing Your NSARC-Approved Research
Researchers must provide the NSA national office with a final report or a summary of the research outcomes. If the research is published, the final report and summary must be provided within 30 days of publication. If the research is not completed, the researcher must contact the NSARC to remove the abstract from the NSA website. The NSA’s role should be acknowledged in any resulting publications or presentations.
Failure to comply with these procedures may result in the denial or revocation of approval and the cessation of the project. Future applications may also be denied.
This streamlined process ensures that research conducted under the NSA’s auspices is thorough, respectful of participants, and contributes to the broader understanding of stuttering.
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