Research Call

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Please note: this program is on hold for 2026

Purpose

This annual Research Call is published by Pearson Clinical Assessment. Our mission is to ensure that our assessments comply with the highest standards and quality and improve outcomes for the customers we serve. The purpose of the Research Call is to obtain independent research that contributes to the validation and efficacy of Pearson Clinical Assessment products and offerings. 

Who can apply

We invite faculty members, graduate students and qualified researchers based in the United States to submit proposals of relevance to the research areas outlined below. 

Research Engagement Portal

Previous research areas

  1. Expand validity
    Proposals evaluating the clinical validity or use within populations not included in the normative samples of one or more Pearson Clinical Assessment products.
    For example, conducting a clinical study for a test with a population not reported in the test’s manual or included in the normative sample. 
  2. Artificial Intelligence in Assessment
    Proposals investigating the use of artificial intelligence with Pearson Clinical Assessment products or offerings.
    Examples include application of AI to scoring, interpretation or other aspects of the assessment workflow, analyzing complex data sets, or adapting assessments.
  3. Efficacy
    Proposals investigating the use of Pearson Clinical Assessment products or offerings to improve outcomes for intended groups or settings.
    Examples include application of assessments in intervention such as linking assessment results to interventions or progress monitoring.
  4. Methodological studies
    Proposals investigating new data collection, norming or psychometric methods, or scoring approaches with Pearson Clinical Assessment products     (e.g., applied use of artificial intelligence, machine learning, GSV, change scores, data simulations).
  5. Incorporating non-traditional measures into assessment
    Proposals investigating wearable device use with Pearson Clinical Assessment products     (e.g., combining the wearable device and data captured from Revibe with measures from a behavior rating scale to expand assessment outside of the testing session).
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Previous data, funding, and duration of projects

  • Pearson will provide researchers with Pearson Clinical Assessment test data (e.g., standardization data) and/or product materials, if required by the research proposal. 
  • The maximum budget for all research projects accepted in 2026 was $15,000. Funding was available for one or more research projects and the amount of each award will be based on the scope and required budget of the accepted proposals. 
  • The maximum duration of projects is 1 year, to be completed no later than one year from the date of the signed contract. 

 

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How to apply

The principal investigator is requested to complete the online form and include their curriculum vitae and a well-structured research proposal. Email any questions about the application process to CallForResearch@pearson.com. 

The proposal should clearly indicate:

  • Title of research proposal
  • Name of researcher(s) (and supervisor, for students)
  • Research goal
  • Theoretical background
  • Required data and sample size 
  • Methodology and instruments
  • Anticipated outcomes
  • Contribution to the field
  • Status of IRB approval process
  • Project schedule and timeline
  • Requested funding and justification, if applicable
  • Requested Pearson test materials or access to Pearson digital products/services, if applicable

If funding is requested, please provide a detailed breakdown of expenses (e.g., institutional overhead, examinee payments) needed to successfully complete the project. Expenses not directly related to project, such as travel expenses or capital costs (e.g., computers) are not accepted. Indirect costs for overhead may not exceed 6 percent of the project’s funding request.

For any additional queries regarding the application process, please contact us at the above email address before submission.

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Vetting process

Each proposal will be rated internally according to the following criteria: 

  • Match with the Research Call: Contributes to the validation or efficacy of Pearson products  
  • Quality of research design: Includes a sound theoretical foundation and clear methodology and complies with data protection & ethics standards 
  • Feasibility of the research given the budget, timeline, and availability of data requested (if applicable) 
  • Impact or benefit to the development and use of Pearson products   
  • Proposals utilizing Pearson measures with fewer published research studies are encouraged.  

The shortlisted applicants will be notified and may be contacted to provide further details about their proposal. Applicants will be notified if there are any delays to the timetable for the vetting process. 

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