The Theory Construction and Research Methodology (TCRM) Workshop is a longstanding tradition within NCFR. Working papers on family theory and research methodology are reviewed, discussed, and strengthened in this unique, interactive environment, which is held on site at the NCFR Annual Conference.

TCRM sessions run from Tuesday, Nov. 7, through the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 8, at the 2023 NCFR Annual Conference.

This year's TCRM co-chairs are Bethany Willis and Nikki DiGregorio. Contact them at [email protected].

TCRM Call for Proposals

The deadline for TCRM submissions is March 15, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. PST.

TCRM proposals should be submitted via the TCRM Proposal Google Form and include:

1. the full paper, symposium, workshop title, or dialogue session name;
2. a short abstract (approximately 100 words, for publicity);
3. a proposal of 1,750 words or less (excluding any tables, figures, or references) for peer review saved as a PDF;
4. a minimum of two suggestions for discussants.

If you are unable to access Google Forms, you may email your proposal to [email protected].

Authors of accepted papers will be required to submit a full version of their paper, up to 35 pages (all inclusive) and extended abstracts (1,000 words), by August 16th, 2023, and discussant reviews due by October 6th, 2023.

Please contact the TCRM co-chairs with any questions, inquiries, or volunteer requests at [email protected].

Download TCRM Call for Proposals (PDF)

Submit a TCRM Proposal Here

What Does a TCRM Paper Session Look Like?

TCRM sessions are unique from other NCFR sessions. Authors submit their papers before the meetings and leaders in the field serve as discussants, providing detailed reviews of papers, again before the meetings. Authors’ papers and extended abstracts are made available prior to TCRM so that attendees can provide their own feedback on each paper during the session. In the past, we have had presenters summarize their papers at the beginning of the session. This year, authors will not describe their papers during the TCRM session. Instead, we are asking authors to provide an extended abstract to participants to read before the TCRM session, if they cannot read the entire paper. This process will allow us to get to the discussion quicker. The extended abstract should be about 1000 words and represent what authors would have presented at the beginning of a session in previous years. Sessions will include discussant comments, author responses, and audience feedback. The goal of these sessions is to provide deep intellectual conversation and substantive feedback to authors.