Solicitation for Proposals - Survey Research Laboratory - University ...

Solicitation for Proposals
UIC’s Chicago Area Study Initiative
2007-2008 Faculty Investigator(s)
Description of Initiative
The Chicago Area Study (CAS) is a multi-disciplinary, collaborative UIC initiative (sponsored
by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Institute of Government and Public Affairs, and
the Institute for Research on Race and Public Policy) for integrating basic social science
research, graduate training, and engaged, policy-relevant research. This is accomplished
through yearly original social science data collection, structured around a two semester
graduate research methods training practicum. Each year the method of inquiry will vary
(face-to-face survey, telephone survey, qualitative study, etc.), as will the specific topic of the
study and the faculty investigator. But the common threads across each CAS study will be (1)
high quality, practicum-based, training of graduate and advanced undergraduate students in
research methods; (2) the collection of data that can answer basic social science questions as
well as speak to pressing policy issues; and (3) a study that addresses substantive topics that
have some relevance to issues of race/ethnicity in the urban context.
We are currently seeking proposals from individuals or research teams interested in being the
Faculty Investigator (FI) for the 2007-2008 Chicago Area Study. For the 2007-2008 study, we
seek a faculty member who is prepared to engage in a survey-based investigation, using the
telephone method of data collection. Competitive proposals will be those that outline a
research project that (1) is limited in scope (can be accomplished in a two semester
practicum); (2) would benefit from meaningful inclusion of graduate students throughout the
process of research design, data collection, and analysis; and (3) focuses on a research topic
that is consistent with the mission of the CAS, as described above. The FI(s) would also
commit to participating in the instruction of a two semester survey methods practicum course
offered through the sociology department, but open to graduate students throughout UIC.
The practicum would begin in Spring 2008 and conclude in Fall 2008. One of the Co-Directors
of the CAS would serve as the lead instructor for the Spring 2008 course, providing the core of
the survey methods instruction. However, the FI(s) would be expected to participate in the
course and provide substantive leadership in the development of the survey. Collaborative
projects and inter-disciplinary proposals are welcome and encouraged.
Eligibility
Tenured or tenure-track faculty with full-time appointments at UIC are eligible to apply.
Individuals interested in submitting a proposal are strongly encouraged to contact either
Professor Maria Krysan (krysan@uic.edu) or Professor Tyrone Forman (tyforman@uic.edu)
to learn more about this initiative and discuss if and how their project might work within its
structure.
Award
As the FI for the 2007-2008 Chicago Area Study, you will receive:
1. Research funds to support the data collection (maximum of $60,000);
2. A graduate student assistant to support the research/training effort;
3. Administrative support; and
4. Release from teaching two courses.

Evaluation Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated on:
1. Methodological or substantive importance of the proposed project;
2. Quality and feasibility of the proposed design within the CAS structure;
3. Likelihood that the research will be completed in one year; and
4. Potential for securing external funds.
What to Submit
To be considered, please submit the following:
1. A 5-7 page proposal (excluding bibliography, tables, budgets and appendices) that
includes the following elements:
a. Statement of the research problem, indicating the substantive and
methodological importance of the research.
b. Description of the fit between your research goals/needs and the
goals/needs of the CAS initiative as described above.
c. An assessment of the feasibility of the research project within the
structure of the Chicago Area Study, as described above (e.g., time frame,
graduate student involvement, etc.).
d. Identification of any unique problems that may be encountered in the
research.
2. Project Budget. In constructing your budget, be sure to include all costs associated
with data collection and processing. We would expect you to work with the Survey
Research Laboratory at UIC to construct this budget. In addition, be sure to include in
the budget any anticipated funds you would use to pay graduate students for
additional work during the summer as well as expenses for data collection during the
practicum itself. Students are not paid while enrolled in the practicum, but any
expenses required for the students to conduct the research during the course must be
included in the budget.
3. List of potential sources of external funds. Depending on the scope of your project,
you may need to seek additional external support. In the event that such efforts are
unsuccessful, there is the possibility of requesting additional research support from the
Chicago Area Study initiative.
4. A current curriculum vita for all faculty members on the project.
5. A letter of support from the unit or department head of each of the FI’s.
Submission Date
Proposals are due on Friday, November 17, 2006. Successful applicants will be notified by
December 15, 2006. Please e-mail an electronic version (in one PDF file) by 5pm on
November 17, 2006 to Professors Krysan (krysan@uic.edu) and Forman
(tyforman@uic.edu . Also on that date, put a hard copy in the mail to the address
provided below.
Where to Submit
A hard copy of the proposal should be submitted to:
Maria Krysan and Tyrone Forman
Co-Directors, Chicago Area Study
Institute of Government & Public Affairs (m/c 191)
University of Illinois at Chicago
815 W. Van Buren Street, Suite 525
Chicago, IL 60607