TPA 2012 Convention - Program Proposal Form

TENNESSEE PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION

2012 Convention Programs Proposal

TPA 2012 ANNUAL MEETING

Nashville Airport Marriott

600 Marriott Drive

Nashville, TN 37214

October 31 – November 3 (Wednesday- Saturday), 2012

[Pre-convention workshop only on Wednesday]

Please read and fill out this form as completely as possible. Then e-mail it to . Early submissions will help greatly in the planning.Deadlines are as follows:

Submission for 1 1/2 - 6 hour presentations - June 1, 2012.

Research presentations - June1, 2012.

Student Poster presentations - October 1, 2012. (Use the special forms on the TPA Web)

General Guidelines and Policies

Please Note: We are pleased that you are interested in submitting a program proposal for this year’s convention. Please review the policies and form in its entirety, particularly audio-visual requirements. If you are filling out this form and others will be presenting the program with you, have them read this form as well. You, the person filling out this form, are responsible for the terms and conditions of this proposal at presentation time.

1)General Guidelines: While the General Guidelines and Policies are meant to address concerns that we have encountered over the years of developing the convention program, this is not meant to be an exhaustive list of policies. Ethical considerations and other factors also inform the conduct of psychologists. If you are a non-psychologist, please contact the CE officer at for a copy of the APA Ethical Principles for Psychologists.

2)Submissions: Due to APA requirements regarding the format by which we now must submit documents, we can only accept e-mail submissions of this form and of vitae. If you have any questions about this form, particularly the AV section, please contact the convention officer at the address noted below. There are also model proposal forms of actual, completed, submitted proposals available for review on the TPA website. In completing this form please consider a few things that will facilitate the review process. We have expanded the proposal from, based upon our experience with reviewing proposals, needing to seek additional information and changes in APA approval criteria for programs.

Please note that all submissions should be complete (This form completely filled out and all necessary vitae submitted). Also please complete all sections according to instructions. For instance, it is very important that Section 10 be completed as indicated.

The proposal will need to be in final form. The review committee will not consider drafts, and will not provide feedback. Also, please write the abstract and goals as they will appear in the brochure. For instance, please avoid using the word “proposal” and instead use terms such as “workshop” or “this presentation will”. Also, please write the proposal in the “third” person” as this is the way the abstract will appear in the program) (i.e. “this presentation” rather than “I plan to present.”).

a)E-Mail submissions:

i)Submission of proposals on e-mail saves the Convention Chair hours of work , facilitates communication with proposal authors, reduces turnaround time, expedites review of programs and reduces the time, effort and cost of preparing the convention. All proposals need to be submitted electronically via e-mail. So your cooperation and understanding is appreciated.

ii)When submitting your proposal via e-mail, please give your files unique names. We will likely receive thirty proposals that are labeled “TPA 12” or “Vitae.” In submitting multiple proposals, please title each one (i.e. JohnAverittTPAProposal2012 Ethics; John AveriitTPAProposalIILegalIssues. Also consider using your full name in case we receive proposals by two individuals, both named Averitt.

3)AV Equipment: TPA does not routinely order AV equipment unless it is requested and there are some equipment requirements/requests we will be unable to fulfill; so it is important that the AV section be thoroughly reviewed and completed. If you do not check it below, it will not be there in October/November. TPA also does not provide laptops to run PowerPoint presentations; presenters will need to make arrangements for use of a laptop on their own. Also please note that equipment, such as projectors ordered through TPA, work with PCs and are not usually designed to operate with Macintosh (Mac) computers. An adapter for Mac computers MAY work with a TPA LCD projector. We use Dell projectors. Equipment required to adapt for use by Macs will need to be provided by presenters and should be checked to determine if such adaptations will work and if connectivity issues can be resolved. TPA cannot assume responsibility for working on AV problems on-site or once a program proposal is accepted. We will accept only e-mail submissions of this form. If you have any questions about this form, particularly the AV section, please contact the convention officer at the address noted below.

4)Commitment to present: Please note: Once you presentation is accepted, your proposal will be considered final. We are unable to change programs (i.e. topic, presenters, learning objectives, abstract, etc.) due to the complicated process of reviewing, accepting and promoting programs, as well as the logistics of planning for a convention/program such as anticipating the number of likely attendees, room assignments and publication of the brochure. Attendees also rely on the program as it is described in the brochure in order to gauge their interest in choosing programs. So please thoroughly research your program before submitting a proposal, and please secure agreements from co-presenters that they will be presenting. You cooperation is greatly appreciated.

5)Handouts (paper)/Posting of presentations on website: TPA does not have the resourcesto reproduce copies of handouts. Handouts are the responsibility of the presenter, if they choose to do so. However TPA recognizes that there is cost involved as well difficulty in estimating the number of attendees. There is also possible waste if there is an overestimation of the number of handouts that are needed. If TPA were to reproduce all the copies, the added cost would need to be passed on to attendees; there are also significant logistical problems in copying and providing handouts on site. Similarly there is a cost to presenters if they choose to provide their own copies of handouts.

6)In an effort to accommodate the need for attendees to be provided with handouts, TPA adopted a new “green” policy in 2010; we now post copies of presentations (including shorter summaries that take into consideration copyrighted and other materials presenters may choose to redact) on our Website. Please avail yourself of this opportunity. Attendees have become more accepting of this policy and have come to expect that presentations will be posted. This also improves outcomes on evaluations. The downloading of presentations is labor intensive and takes time. However this will only work with planning. TPA needs the submission of your presentation, which is usually in powerpoint form, by October 1, 2012. Please e-mail your presentation for posting at the website to: Dr. Keith Hulse @ .

7) Research basis for presentations. TPA endorses the scientist/ practitioner model. Programs will only meet Type I criteria (which we offer under our approval as an APA approved sponsor) if there is a clear research /theoretical basis for the program. The literature has to be primarily psychological in nature. That is why sections 10 A and 10B are critical in evaluating a program for acceptance and for type of continuing education. Please carefully answer theses sections.

8)Ideally, the development of your program has already been informed by research and a literature review, and that developing a list of citations will just be a mere formality. All programs can benefit from such a literature review as such a search often expands a presenter’s understanding of a topic, including a consideration of competing points of view and paradigms. The advent of the internet has also made such resources more accessible. A brief review of literature/research during your presentation often sets the stage for the presentation if research findings are not already integrated throughout the presentation. The inclusion of research also improves outcomes on evaluations. The inclusion of demographics (in particularly with an emphasis on diversity issues) or prevalence rates can enhance a presentation.

9)The inclusion of a research base is important even for presentations that are viewed as more ethical/legal in nature (Criteria 4 under 10A). The regulatory criteria usually pertains only to programs that are specifically focused on the Ethical and Legal reviews that licensed psychologists are required to attend as a CE Program in Tennessee (at least once every two years). These programs (the ones designed to fulfill CE requirements) are offered at the convention as invited TPA presentations. But even then invited presenters are often able to provide citations regarding research on topics such as rates and occurrences of disciplinary actions, psychologist’s perceptions and practices regarding an issue., etc.

10)Sale/promotion of service or product. TPA provides an opportunity for vendors and exhibitors to be present at convention and believes that this is the proper venue in which to promote or sell a product or service. Promotion or sale of any service or product (related or unrelated to any presentation) before, during or after a presentation in a conference room is prohibited. This constitutes a potential conflict of interest and attendees have been very clear in the past that they are resentful of efforts to promote or sell a product or service during presentations. Presentations cannot become commercials or infomercials.

11)If you are interested in promotion or sale of a service or product, please contact Dr. Janice Martin on how you can become a vendor/exhibitor @ .

12)Contact information: All evaluations are summarized and transcribed and you will receive a copy after the convention. However some attendees often write what amounts to full treatises regarding research issues, etc. Perhaps they think copies of the evaluation are provided. We will no longer transcribe these lengthy treatises, and attendees will be reminded to be succinct in their comments. However if you want to encourage this type of dialogue, or want to be available as a resource, please consider providing attendees with your contact information.

13)Convention program submissions are only accepted by e-mail. If you have a problem submitting this form by e-mail contact John B. Averitt, Ph.D. () or Michael Myszka, Ph.D. () for assistance at the e-mail or regular addressed noted below. This form should be submitted to John B. Averitt by e-mail, only, at .

14)Other:

a)Registration fees are required of presenters who attend the convention. (There is no fee if you only attend the session/s which you present).

b)If hotel room reservations are needed, please make them as soon as you can.

15)Selection Process. Each proposal is reviewed individually by a three member panel. The TPA Convention and Meetings Directorate is never a member of the panel. Upon approval by the panel, the proposal author is notified of acceptance/postponement/denial, etc.

Return this form as soon as possible as we need to have all of these materials on file as required by TPA and APA. You should receive a confirmation by e-mail within three days if you do not, resubmit by e-mail.Please email to:

John B. Averitt, Ph.D.

Fax: 931-526-6478

Phone: 931-526-2722

IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION—RESUBMIT!!

If you have questions about this form please e-mail Michael Myszka, Ph.D. at

Thank You for Your Submission!

John B. Averitt, Ph.D.

TPA Convention Directorate

Please Complete:
Note: Begin typing or copying/pasting in the boxes and the space will expand to accommodate your text.
  1. Title of Presentation:
  1. Name:
  1. Professional Credentials (Please attach an electronic copy of your vitae):
a) Relevant Professional Degree(s):
b) Current Professional Position/Title:
c) Current professional affiliation (e.g. private practice, University of _____):
  1. Brief biography of main presenter. Please include a three –to- four sentence brief bio of the main speaker. This will be used to introduce the main presenter. Presenters can supplement this with additional information and, in turn, introduce their co-presenters:
  1. Contact Information
a)Your Mailing (Street) Address:
b)City/State/Zip:
c)Phone Number: Office: Cell: Fax: Other: Best Time to Call:
d)E-mail:
  1. Please list the name(s) of any other persons presenting the program with you, their degree, primary work affiliation (e.g. Private Practice, University of _____) and title. PLEASE HAVE All CO-PRESENTERS SEND AN ELECTRONIC COPY OF THEIR VITAE.
Name, degree / Affiliation / Title
Type of Presentation*
Please indicate which type of program you are submitting by typing an “x” in the provided spot:
___ 1.5 hrs.
___ 3 hrs.
___ 6 hrs./ two part program (3 hrs. each)
___ Research – 1.5 hrs.
___ Invited Institute (6 hrs. or >)
___ Poster
*You may submit a six hour program but it needs to be divided into two 3 hour programs, unless you are presenting an invited institute. It will not be necessary to submit another full proposal if the programs have related themes; just complete section 9B below. If the two three hour programs focus on different areas and require separate literature review citations, then two separate proposals will be needed. The CE Committee will review and request a second proposal if it is determined the two programs are significantly different. Also indicate in section 9B if the first program is a prerequisite for the second.
Content of Presentation
  1. Please provide a brief (one paragraph) description of your presentation. Note: See section 9B if submitting two three-hour programs (dividing a six hour program into two free-standing parts/ if so, please use this section for the abstract for the first three hour program.):
  1. Below, you will be asked to submit four learning objectives. Please submit four. Also, please submit objectives that are "learner-centered" and focus on skills, knowledge and behavior participants will gain through participation in the workshop.
Here are some examples of learner-centered, versus presenter centered:
Learner centered:
  • "Participants will learn high risk areas of practice and the relevant laws and ethics code."
  • "Be able to identify subtypes of attention deficit disorders."
Presenter-centered:
  • "To teach specific strategies that can be used in clinical practice for treating panic disorder."
  • "Present ethical dilemmas psychologists encounter with child custody evaluations."
The following are additional ideas and examples of learning objectives, as developed by and adopted from APA’s Office for Continuing Education:
  • Learning objectives, or learning outcomes, are statements that clearly describe what the learner will know or be able to do as a result of having attended an educational program or activity.
  • Learning objectives must be observable and measurable.
  • Learning objectives should (1) focus on the learner, and (2) contain action verbs that describe measurable behaviors
Verbs to consider when writing learning objectives:
list, describe, recite, write, identify
compute, discuss, explain, predict
apply, demonstrate, prepare, use analyze, design, select, utilize
compile, create, plan, revise
assess, compare, rate, critique
  1. Describe the 4 main educational objectives of your presentation.learner centred objectives required; please see instructions above)
a)
b)
c)
d)
Note: Final Educational Objectives must be approved by TPA's Continuing Education Committee.
3. Please complete if dividing a 6 hour program into two 3 Hour programs.
a ) Title of Program # 1:
b) Title of Program # 2:
c) Content of Presentation # 2 - Please provide a brief (one paragraph) description of your presentation.(use section # 8 for the abstract for program #1):
*Please submit additional main educational objectives for presentation #2 (4 learner centered objectives required; please see instructions above). (Please use section 2 for the learning objectives for Program #1):
a)
b)
c)
d)
Please give careful attention to how you divide up the goals/learning objectives for each session. Please keep in mind that each session is independent and it is possible that some attendees will not be returning for the afternoon session or there will be attendees new to the afternoon session (see below: you can decide if attendance at the first session is a requisite for attending the afternoon session). Attendees will be disappointed if not all of the learning objectives are covered in the morning session; or if there is continued discussion or exploration of topics in the afternoon where the indication was that the morning session would address these particular topics.
Please type an “x” by the item below that applies:
  1. ___ Attendees can attend either or both sessions. Attending the first session is not a pre-requisite for attending session # 2.
  2. ___ Attendance at the first session is a pre-requisite for attending the second session.

Additional Criteria
Note: The following is a new set of criteria; if you need technical assistance regarding this; please contact the Continuing Education Officer for TPA at , who will provide you with examples. .Also, models of actual submitted & accepted programs are now available at the TPA website (
  1. To be considered as a Continuing Education program, the above program must meet at least one of the following criteria (please check all that apply. Note: It is very important that this section be completed as requested. Please provide the requested references with complete citations. It is acceptable to attach documents and summarize the attachments below; but please be sure all the following sections are complete and can stand on their own):
___ Program content has obtained credibility, as demonstrated by the involvement of the broader psychological practice, education, and science communities in studying or applying the findings, procedures, practices, or theoretical concepts.
___ Program content has been studied according to established procedures of scientific scrutiny that can be reasonably relied upon.
___ Program content has peer reviewed published support beyond those publications and other types of communications devoted primarily to the promotion of the approach.