Reporting Empirical Research on Adolescence: Reflections on the Appeal of Coherence, Purpose and Responsibility

• NCJ Number: 214321
• Journal: Journal of Youth and Adolescence Volume: 35 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2006 Pages: 1-9
• Author(s): Roger J. R. Levesque
• Date Published: February 2006
• Length: 9 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Instructional Material
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article explores options for researchers who wish to contribute to an improved understanding of adolescents and offers suggestions to researchers who may wish to publish reports of their work in the "Journal of Youth and Adolescence" (JYA).

Abstract

This article provides advice for developing effective manuscripts that have a sense of purpose and coherence. It advises authors to provide a brief and clear statement of purpose for the article early in its composition, followed by a coherent presentation that achieves that purpose. The article first discusses the significance of selecting appropriate journals for publishing reports of one's work. This requires being familiar with a variety of journals and the general interests and needs of their editors and readers. The distinctiveness of each journal can be determined from its mission statement, the characteristics of its articles, and the composition of the editorial board. There are many journals that publish research reports and other types of articles on adolescence. Issues that may be addressed include religion, culture, violence, sexuality, moral development, gender, crime, and education. The chance of being published increases if the manuscript is shaped to a prospective journal's mission or if the journal selected is a good fit for the manuscript as is. Authors must keep in mind, however, that few, if any articles are accepted without the editor's request for a revision. The article concludes with a discussion of the importance of writing responsibly or ethically, which pertain to providing proper credit for authorship, avoiding copyright violations, and ensuring that authors do not republish data without proper acknowledgement. Relevant knowledge and unfavorable data should also be acknowledged and addressed in the article. 18 references and an appended 10-point checklist from the editor of the JYA