ISPS invites proposals for research that advances social science survey research methodology (design or analysis). Spending requests cover the cost of data gathering via surveys administered through established survey platforms and using state-of-the-art survey research techniques.
The proliferation of new ways to conduct surveys and the mixture of survey modes, contact modes, sampling frames, and question and response formats present special challenges. We seek proposals that explore the potential strengths and weaknesses of a given survey method or survey platform, analyze major sources of survey error, or deliver insight into improving survey methods. Proposals may include applications that pursue novel social science research questions when they also advance the design, implementation, and use of survey methods in social science research.
Examples of such scholarship include, but are not limited to, the use or validation of new measurement techniques or analytical methods, investigation of improvements in questionnaire design or sampling, novel approaches to or uses of survey data merged with other data, strategies for surveying population groups that are challenging to study, using new technology to obtain survey responses or obtain passive measurements of individual-level variables, or introduction of survey research strategies to domains where these strategies are new or significantly underutilized.
Successful applications will meet the objectives of this RFP and the relevant category as described here. Projects that use standard survey tools for the sole purpose of studying opinions, attitudes, beliefs, or self-reported behavior and do not fit within the three categories generally do not meet the criteria for support.
The typical award is between $10,000 and $15,000, and the maximum award is $60,000.
The grant is designed to cover a one or two-year project, with an expectation that at least one publication-quality research report will emerge within three years.
Application submission deadline: March 30, 2026, 11:59PM.
ISPS encourages early career faculty and researchers to apply for this funding, although we will give full consideration to proposals from faculty at all career stages.
Before applying
Scholars interested in applying for an ISPS Survey Research Methodology Fund should review ISPS guidelines,
- Visit our general information page for ISPS Research Funding to learn about eligibility and more.
- Visit our paage on Information about ISPS Research Procedures, to learn about ISPS requirements.
- Visit our Research page to see information about ISPS research! For original data see the ISPS Data Archive.
To apply
Fill out the ISPS Grant Application Form.
Each proposal will be reviewed based on the soundness of the research design and the importance and innovativeness of the study given the size of the budget request. Pilot projects and projects with potential to evolve into larger collaborative studies are especially welcome. If an award is granted, some further steps, including a data archiving plan and IRB approval, must be completed before any funds are released. Further details on the project proposal and other requirements are provided on the ISPS website. For logistical questions about funding proposals please email ISPS Associate Director for Research & Strategic Initiatives Limor Peer at limor.peer(at)yale.edu.