Title page
The title page should:
- present a title that includes, if appropriate, the research design
- list the full names, institutional addresses and email addresses for all authors
- if a collaboration group should be listed as an author, please list the Group name as an author and include the names of the individual members of the Group in the “Acknowledgements” section in accordance with the instructions below
- indicate the corresponding author
Abstract
The abstract should briefly summarize the aim, findings or purpose of the article. Please minimize the use of abbreviations and do not cite references in the abstract. See the criteria section for this article type (located at the top of this page) for information on abstract and article word limits.
Keywords
Three to ten keywords representing the main content of the article.
Introduction
The Introduction section should explain the background to the study, its aims, a summary of the existing literature and why this study was necessary.
Results (Optional)
This should include the findings of the study including, if appropriate, results of statistical analysis which must be included either in the text or as tables and figures.
Discussion (Optional or can be combined in ‘Results and Discussion’ section)
For research articles this section should discuss the implications of the findings in context of existing research and highlight limitations of the study. For methodology manuscripts this section should include a discussion of any practical or operational issues involved in performing the study and any issues not covered in other sections.
Conclusions
This should state clearly the main conclusions and provide an explanation of the importance and relevance of the study to the field.
Methods/Experimental (Optional. Section can also be placed after Introduction)
The methods section should include:
- the aim, design and setting of the study
- the characteristics of participants or description of materials
- a clear description of all processes and methodologies employed. Generic names should generally be used. When proprietary brands are used in research, include the brand names in parentheses
- the type of statistical analysis used, including a power calculation if appropriate
studies involving human participants, data or tissue or animals must include statement on ethics approval and consent