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National Stuttering Association

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Applicants wishing to conduct research involving the NSA organization, its members, and/or its resources must submit an application for the proposed research project to the NSA Research Committee (NSARC).

STEP 1: Planning to Submit a Research Proposal

Review NSARC Submission Deadlines

The NSARC reviews research applications during three cycles, annually. Applications submitted after a given cycle deadline, will be reviewed in the following cycle. Cycle deadlines are as follows:

Cycle 1: Applications are due by January 15th, and applicants receive a decision on or about February 15th.

Cycle 2: Applications are due by May 15th, and applicants receive a decision on or about June 15th.

Cycle 3: Applications are due by September 15th, and applicants receive a decision on or about October 15th.

 

Obtain IRB Approval

The NSARC review process follows the basic guidelines for review by University Institutional Review Boards (IRB). The NSA will not review proposals from federally accredited institutions without IRB approval; therefore, investigators at institutions with a federally accredited IRB must obtain and show proof of IRB prior to submitting an application to the NSARC.  IRB approval does not guarantee NSARC approval.

STEP 2: Preparing your application

Upon accessing the NSARC’s research proposal application system online, investigators will be asked to describe their proposed study, provide details about the research team, upload supporting documents (including IRB documentation), and specify the type of access or support they need from the NSA in implementing the research. Elements of the application include:

  • Name of research proposal
  • Specific aims and rationale of the research
  • Copy of original IRB Application
  • Copy of original IRB
  • List of research protocols / procedures, including informed consent procedures
  • Copy of any contact letters or scripts used to recruit participants
  • Copy of all test instruments (including survey instruments) to be used
  • Copy of the informed consent form
  • Explanation of how confidentiality of research participants will be protected
  • Description of potential benefits and risks to NSA and participants
  • Background on all investigators including names and contact information (mailing address, telephone number(s), e-mail address), place of employment, position, education and training; prior research experience; potential benefit of this research to the investigator.
  • List of funding source(s) (if any) of research and disclosure of any financial interests with the study sponsor
  • Timeline (when research is expected to begin, and its expected duration)
  • Specific expectations of the NSA National Office including e-mail advertisement, space requirements at a conference or meeting, mailing lists, or any other information required from the National Office.
  • An abstract not exceeding 250 words including title, aim and rationale, name of primary investigator and contact information (must include email address). If approved, this abstract will be placed on the NSA’s web page and may serve to inform and recruit prospective participants.

STEP 3: Application Review Process

 Any incomplete applications will be returned to the prospective researcher, who may then submit a complete application for review in the next review cycle. Complete applications will be forwarded by the Chair of the NSARC to the entire committee for review and recommendations. Final decisions regarding: (a) approval, (b) disapproval, or (c) requests for additional information or modification and re-submission for review, will rest with the NSARC.

STEP 4: Notification of NSARC Decision

Applicants will receive a decision approximately 45 days after the cycle deadline. The National Stuttering Association reserves the right to decline any application.

A maximum of 3 surveys/studies will be approved for distribution per review cycle.

Conditions of Application Approval

Application approvals are granted for one (1) year from the date of approval. If the project is expected to extend beyond one year, a progress report and request for extension is required at least thirty (30) days prior to the approved year end date.

Changes may not be made in the approved research procedures without prior approval from the NSARC.

STEP 5: Completing your NSARC-approved research

Investigators agree to provide a copy of their final report, or a summary of outcomes of the research project, to the NSA national office. If the completed research findings are in the process of being published, the lead investigator will inform the NSARC and agree to provide the final report and summary within 30 days of publication. If the researcher does not complete the approved research for any reason, they will contact the NSARC to remove the original abstract from the NSA web page. NSA requests that NSA’s role be acknowledged in any presentations or publications stemming from the research project.

Failure to comply with any of the above procedures may result in denial of the application. If the application has already been approved, failure to comply with the above procedures may result an immediate revocation of approval and cessation of the project. In addition, future applications may be denied.