Basic Psychological Science Grant FAQs
Eligibility
I previously received this award. Am I eligible to apply again?
Are current APAGS committee members eligible to apply for this grant?
Application
Review Process
How are the Basic Psychological Science Research Grants reviewed?
What criteria do reviews use when evaluating grant applications?
How can I become a reviewer for the APAGS Basic Psychological Science Grant?
Announcement/Feedback
Award Funds
Eligibility
1. 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.
Yes and Yes — As long as you are an APAGS member (not an international affiliate), you are eligible to apply.
2. I previously received this award. Am I eligible to apply again?
Yes, as long as you are still an APAGS member, and the grant that you are submitting is different from the one that was awarded, you can apply again.
3. I am a member of APAGS, but I am pursuing a doctoral degree in Public Policy. Am I still eligible to apply?
Yes, you are eligible to apply.
4. 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.
5. The eligibility criteria states social psychologists are able to apply. However, 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 now open to all graduate students in psychology, neuroscience and related fields.
6. Are current APAGS committee members eligible to apply for this grant?
Members of the full APAGS Committee — 9 elected positions, and 5 subcommittee chairs, cannot apply for any APAGS grants/scholarships. Current APAGS Science Committee members may not apply for the Basic Psychological Science Research grant because they review this grant. However, there are other grants, including the Forest/Honaker Award for master's research, and the Scott Mesh Award for dissertation research, for which APAGS Science Committee members should be eligible to apply.
7. 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 1 page) that addresses how you have modified and improved your proposal.
Application
1. 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.
2. For the letter of recommendation, would this be something we get from our advisors as opposed to writing these ourselves?
Yes, you should get the letter from your advisor or the project faculty sponsor.
Review Process
1. How are the Basic Psychological Science Research Grants reviewed?
Grant applications are assigned to 2-3 independent reviewers who have general experience in the topic (identified using your title-page keywords) but without a conflict of interest. The reviewers generate scores based upon the strength of components of the research proposal, CV, and letter of recommendation. If the composite score (based upon multiple reviews) is very high then the proposal will be read and evaluated by the entire review committee. The review committee discusses the finalists and votes on the best grant applications.
2. Who reviews the Basic Psychological Science Research Grant?
Members of the APAGS Science Committee and the APAGS Committee may review the grants. APAGS reviewers consist of doctoral candidates who have published in premier scientific journals and received the most competitive science fellowships including the National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship and the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award.
3. 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, recommendation letter, cover letter (if resubmitting)-may be weighted less heavily than the research proposal but are still important.
4. How can I become a reviewer for the APAGS Basic Psychological Science Grant?
Apply to become a member of the APAGS Science Committee! Being a member of the APAGS Science Committee is an excellent career development opportunity and gives you a chance to learn skills (such as grant reviewing) for which you may not otherwise gain experience during graduate school. 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 APAGS Science Committee, please email for more information. Applications for committee positions are typically due in the late summer/early fall.
Announcement/Feedback
1. Will I receive any feedback on my application?
Applicants who receive a score above a particular threshold will receive written feedback from the review committee. However, due to the large number of applications, we otherwise cannot provide you with feedback.
2. When can I expect to hear a decision regarding the status of my application?
You can expect a decision within 3 months of submitting.
Award Funds
1. 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.
