Submissions
Overview
For WAAC 2023, the general theme of conundrums of humans' lives and offer ways of resolving them. In other words, we call for presentations of how findings from socially relevant empirical research address problems of the contemporary moment and how these findings might be or have been put to use for social change.
Specifically, organizers are calling for submissions of proposals for one of four distinct type of submission types: full panels, individual (or co-authored) papers, posters, and sessions of "lightening" talks focused on a theme.
All proposals, regardless of type, must be received by the time the Committee finalizes the program (estimated 1 March 2023).
Full Panels
At the core, panels consist of groups of presentations, usually 12-20 minutes in length, that are organized around a common theme or topic. After the final presentation, a period of 12-20 minutes should remain either for a discussant (if included) to respond or for the Chair to facilitate questions from the audience. It is expected that these panels clearly indicate the joint intellectual merit and broader impact of the panel, while each individual presenter is responsible for demonstrating these dynamics.
The organizer (or co-organizers) will submit a session abstract (no more than 500 words) with a list of participants, titles for each presentation, and an abstract (no more than 250 words) for each presentation. The proposal may also include the name of the designated Chair. A Panel Organizer(s) may (but is not required to) name a Discussant. Discussants and Chairs need to register, but they do not need to submit an abstract.
[Roles: Organizer(s); Chair; Participants; Discussant]
Single Papers (Individual or Co-Authored)
These presentations showcase the findings of individual (or in the case of co-authored works, a group). The abstract should be no more than 250 words and include:
The big picture problem or hotly debated topic in the field
The gap in the scholarship that the research addresses
How the research addresses the gap
The specific data sets used
The original thesis/argument
A conclusion showing the significance of the work
For more guidance on writing conference abstracts, please consult this site.
[Role: Participant]
Posters
"Poster authors create, in advance, a graphic presentation which is then displayed during the session time in the poster room. These sessions provide the opportunity for more informal discussion and feedback about your work" (Miller and Trainor n.d.). See the linked document for more practical tips on creating a poster. These presentations are primarily based on text, posted images, and the author's explanation. Though intellectual merit and broader impact still matter, the manner of preparation and presentation and the interaction with your "audience" differ from a traditional paper given on a panel.
Posters should be 36" x 48" (92 x 122 cm) or vice versa. Here is a template to consider using.
[Role: Participant]
Lightening Talks
These presentations are engaging performances of current projects or concepts through a few slides with images or sound (accompanied by brief descriptions) and dynamic and reasonably-paced spoken content. Total presentation time is speedy (like like a flash of lightening), lasting no more than five minutes per presenter. Talks should present works in progress or upcoming projects.
Though intellectual merit and broader impact still matter, the manner of preparation and presentation and the interaction with your "audience" differ from a traditional paper given on a panel.
[Role: Participant]