GRANTS

John F. Kennedy University and Integral Institute are proud to announce their support for further research into the nuance and practice of Integral Theory through Integral Research Grants. These grants are described below and join The Indigo Award (An annual award of $3000 for an incoming student who is successfully applying Integral principles in an exceptional way to their personal and/or professional life.) and The Integral Diversity Award (An annual award of $3000 for an incoming student who has successfully applied Integral principles in an exceptional way to addressing diversity issues). Students of the online MA in Integral Theory are eligible for these scholarships and grants, which are awarded annually per cohort. It is our hope that in the near future we will be able to offer these grants to students and faculty at other institutions.

The Integral Research Grant: Annual awards of up to $4000 to second- and/or third-year students who have completed the Integral Research course and wish to conduct mixed-methods research using first-, second-, and third-person methods. This grant intends to support those research projects that are: well-designed using Integral principles, include a viable implementation plan, and contribute insight and relevance for the community of practice and subject area.

Students will develop and submit a detailed research proposal, including a budget that inquires or investigates a subject area of inspiration to him or her. Applicants are expected to consider all dimensions of the research project, from practical implementation to the methodological design, as well as to wisely situate the research project’s relevance in the larger subject area. Applicants are welcome to consult with the Program Director or specific faculty to develop aspects of the project idea, drawing on faculty experience, resources, or contacts.

The Integral Research Grants are not limited to a single applicant. In other words, this grant could be allocated for two proposals for $2000 each, for one proposal for $1000 and one for $3000, or perhaps for one proposal for the full $4000. In considering allocation of the grant, the Review Committee will be looking for proposals that demonstrate the best use of resources, coherence, integral design, relevance, and innovation. Furthermore, special consideration may be given for projects that exhibit a connection to communities or organizations that can support this research in an applied way. Group projects involving two or more students are encouraged. Applications can be submitted at the end of the fall quarter.

Recipients
2008

Edward Kelly "An Integral Approach to the Buffett Phenomenon"

Abstract: The Buffett phenomenon refers to Warren Buffett's extraordinary investment success over the past 50 years. The epistemology or worldview that guides my research is 'integral theory,' the methodology or research design that organizes it is 'mixed methods research' and the methods or techniques I use to explore it include two quantitative methods, 'a binomial distribution and a regression test,' and a hybrid qualitative method known as 'IMP coding' (a general coding scheme based on the eight primordial perspectives in Integral Methodological Pluralism (IMP)). My quantitative data is Buffett's shareholders letters (1957 to 1969; 1977 to 2007). My quantitative data and methods are used to establish the existence of the phenomenon and my qualitative data and methods to help understand it.