Writing Formats and Tips for Prospective Authors
Writing a professional paper for publication can
seem like a daunting task, particularly for those who spend most of their
time working with clients. However, writing a paper need not be so
formidable if format and editorial guidelines are followed. The Publication
Manual of the American Psychological Association (Fourth Edition) (1996)
contains detailed information regarding how to structure and organize a
paper, grammatical rules to follow, and how to cite references. It is
strongly recommended that authors purchase this book and keep it by the
computer or writing table. Particularly, we recommend that prospective
authors read the chapters on Content and Organization of a Manuscript
(Chapter 1), Expression of Ideas (Chapter 2), and Manuscript Preparation and
Sample Paper (Chapter 4) to gain an understanding on how to organize a
professional paper.
The following are general guidelines for writing
various types of articles for the Journal of Self Leadership. These
guidelines will address the following: Research and empirical studies;
theoretical articles; review articles; and essays and book reviews.
General Guidelines
Regardless of the type of article, there are
general format guidelines that will provide assistance in organizing a
manuscript. They can be found in Chapters 1, 2, and 4 of the APA
Publication Manual.
All manuscripts should include the following:
-
Title Page- Title of article, author’s
name, and institutional affiliation
-
Running Head – abbreviated title that is
printed at the top of the pages of the article to identify the article for readers (maximum 50 characters).
-
Abstract - a brief, comprehensive summary of
the contents of the article; it allows readers to survey the contents of an article quickly, and, like a
title, is used by abstracting and information services to index and retrieve articles (between 100 and 150 words)
-
Introduction - development of the problem of
interest and statement of the purpose of the investigation or thesis:
- Introduce the problem/issue/concept (i.e.,
state the thesis of the paper)
- Develop the background
- State the purpose and rationale
-
Body
- For an empirical/research paper:
Method - description of the method used to
conduct the investigation
Participants
Apparatus
Procedure
Results - report of the results that were found
Statistical Presentation (Tables and figures; statistical analyses;
statistical
power; statistical significance; effect size and strength of
relationship, etc.)
- For a theoretical paper: Restatement and
development of the
thesis/premises/arguments/conclusions
- For a review article: Description; critique
- For an essay/book review article: Description;
opinion
-
Discussion- interpretation and discussion of
the implications of the results or conclusions
-
References
-
Appendix (if relevant; includes measures,
questionnaires, etc.)
-
Author Note (if desired)
Specific Formats
The following is taken from the APA Publication
Manual, 4th Edition (1996, pp. 4 – 6; formatting and order of presentation
ours):
Reports of empirical studies are reports of
original research. They typically consist of distinct sections that reflect
the stages in the research process and that appear in the sequence of these
stages:
-
introduction: development of the problem under
investigation and statement of the purpose of the investigation;
-
method: description of the method used to
conduct the investigation;
-
results: report of the results that were
found; and
-
discussion: interpretation and discussion of
the implications of the results.
Theoretical articles are papers in which the
author draws on existing research literature to advance theory in any area
of psychology. Review and theoretical articles are often similar in
structure, but theoretical articles present empirical information only when
it affects theoretical issues. The author traces the development of theory
in order to expand and refine theoretical constructs. Ordinarily, the author
presents a new theory. Alternatively, the author may analyze existing
theory, pointing out flaws or demonstrating the superiority of one theory
over another. In this type of theoretical analysis, the author customarily
examines a theory’s internal and external consistency; that is, whether a
theory is self-contradictory and whether the theory and empirical
observation contradict each other. The sections of a theoretical article,
like those of a review article, are usually ordered by relationship rather
than by chronology.
Other, less frequently published types of
articles in APA journals include brief reports, comments and replies on
previously published articles, discussions of quantitative methods, case
histories, and monographs. Although the contents of these articles are
dissimilar, the manuscripts should still be logically and coherently
organized according to the guidelines described in the previous paragraphs.
Authors should refer to the journal to which they are submitting the
manuscript for specific information regarding these kinds of articles.
Review articles, including meta-analyses, are
critical evaluations of material that has already been published. By
organizing, integrating, and evaluating previously published material, the
author of a review article considers the progress of current research toward
clarifying a problem. In a sense, a review article is tutorial in that the
author:
-
defines and clarifies the problem;
-
summarizes previous investigations in order to
inform the reader of the state of current research;
-
identifies relations, contradictions, gaps,
and inconsistencies in the literature; and
-
suggests the next step or steps in solving the
problem.
(JSL Editor’s Note: Book reviews and essays will
also follow the general format guidelines, as outlined above. However, the
author may substitute “Conclusion” for “Discussion” as the final heading.
Also, The body of the manuscript will consist of opinions, rather than a
formal presentation of research, theory, or literature review. Also, see the
Editorial Policy and Manuscript Submission Guidelines for more specifics
regarding themes/ topics, and other particulars regarding format for the JSL.)
Reference
Publication manual of the American Psychological
Association (4th Edition). (1996). Washington, DC: American Psychological
Association.
EDITORIAL POLICY AND MANUSCRIPT SUBMISSION
GUIDELINES
The Journal of Self Leadership is a professional
journal devoted to articles written on the theory and application of
Internal Family Systems Therapy and related topics. The purpose of the
journal is to advance the model by promoting and encouraging scholarly and
scientific writing on IFS and the principles of Self Leadership. In
addition, articles will be accepted which detail the model’s utility and
effectiveness for a variety of presenting problems, populations, and
applications in both clinical and non-clinical arenas.
The Journal is intended for professional
audiences in both academic and applied settings. In maintaining the highest
standards for publication, all submissions are subject to anonymous, juried
review by experts in the field. The Journal places a high value on the
integration of theory and practice. The editors wish to encourage
practitioners working with the IFS model to share their knowledge and
insights with colleagues, and will work with potential authors on expressing
their thoughts clearly in written form in preparation for peer review.
Potential themes and topic areas include, but
are not limited to theoretical articles on IFS concepts and its interface
with other models and modalities; research, including empirical studies and
meta-analyses; clinical applications, including work with various
populations and levels of systems, practice issues, techniques, and case
studies; and training and supervision.
Manuscripts should be submitted on white, 8-1/2”
x 11” bond paper and also on a 3-1/4” floppy disk (IBM format). Manuscripts
should be typed double-spaced with one-inch margins, on 12-point times-roman
font. Pages must be numbered consecutively. Formatting and style, including
the use of gender-neutral language, tables and figures, references, etc.
should follow the guidelines in the Publication Manual of the American
Psychological Association (most recent edition). Articles should be written
clearly and concisely, using non-jargon language.
Manuscripts should include an abstract
(italicized, of not more than 100 words), describing the article’s topic,
method (when appropriate), and conclusions or implications. Three copies of
each manuscript should be submitted with the floppy disk. For the purposes
of blind peer review, authors’ names should appear on the title page only.
Authors should also include a self-addressed, stamped return envelope with
the submission. Outlines and working drafts can be e-mailed for
consultation. Included with a cover letter authors should include their
e-mail address to facilitate correspondence.
On acceptance of a manuscript, the senior author
will be notified in writing. Upon publication, the senior author will
receive 3 copies of the Journal and one additional copy for each co-author.
Please send submissions to:
Ralph S. Cohen, Ph.D., Editor
Journal of Self Leadership
Central Connecticut State University - HB 230
1615 Stanley Street
New Britain, CT 06050-4010
Other correspondence can be made via:
Telephone: (860) 832-2122
Fax: (860) 832-2109
e-mail: cohenr@ccsu.edu
|
