How to Submit a Proposal

Every researcher at a university or research institute in the Netherlands or elsewhere can submit a proposal throughout the year. We strive to integrate different academic disciplines: besides proposals from economics and the social sciences, we welcome proposals from the medical and biomedical sciences and the behavioral sciences.

Proposals:

• can be submitted by email to Annette Scherpenzeel, project manager of MESS
• must be written in English

• are typically between two and five pages long

• must contain name, address, affiliation and short CV with main publications of the researcher(s)

• must address the evaluation criteria given below

• must be specific about sample size, sample composition, and desired timing of the field work

• must specify the content of the questions. It is helpful, though not required, to add the complete set of specific survey questions. Furthermore, it is advised to check the LISS data at the website for overlap in questions and available data.
• must estimate the length of interview time. Please count a maximum of 25 question items/10 minutes for very simple (‘yes/no’) questions. Please note that longer or more complicated questions require more time.
   

Evaluation criteria

• Scientific relevance: a research question must be predicated on the scientific literature and have a sound analytical framework and empirical design. A plus point, though not a requirement, is an international dimension.
• Suitability for the LISS panel: the added value of using an Internet survey should be clarified. A plus point, though not a requirement, is a longitudinal data collection design, using the panel structure. Another plus is relevance for multiple disciplines.
• Feasibility: A prerequisite is that the questions are comprehensible to all respondents in the sample and that they are not offensive to any group, and do not disrespect respondents' privacy. A plus point is attractiveness of the questions for respondents.
• Target group: Proposals must clearly indicate whether the questions are intended for the entire LISS panel, a random sub-sample, or a specific target group. Using a random sub-sample of the total panel is a plus point.
• Length: There is no prerequisite or absolute limit regarding the length of the questionnaire. However, the shorter the questionnaire, the easier it can be fit into the fieldwork planning. Longer questionnaires (over 20 minutes) necessitate a long-term planning of at least four months. The MESS staff will also check for overlap with the LISS Core Study; questions that are available from the LISS Core Study will not be included in other questionnaires.