Author Guidelines

Author Guidelines for Scholar Cave

Writing and Formatting

Title

The title should be concise, clearly reflecting the core focus of the manuscript. Avoid abbreviations and ensure the title effectively conveys the research's main findings or conclusions.

Authors should avoid:

  • Titles that are solely questions without providing an answer.
  • Unambitious titles (e.g., "Towards…", "A description of…", "A characterization of…").
  • Vague titles (e.g., "Role of…", "Link between…", "Effect of…").
  • Unnecessary taxonomic details apart from species names.

Abstract

The abstract should provide a clear summary of the study, ensuring accessibility to a broad readership. It should be structured according to the IMRAD format (Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion) and should not exceed 250 words. Avoid abbreviations, citations, figures, or tables.

Manuscript Length

Authors should follow the article word count requirements provided in the 'Article Types' section. The length includes the main body, footnotes, and citations but excludes abstracts, references, figures, and tables.

Sections

Manuscripts should be structured with clear headings and subheadings. Original Research Articles should follow these sections:

  • Introduction: Concise background information, research problem, and objectives.
  • Materials and Methods: Detailed description of research design, data collection, and ethical considerations (if applicable).
  • Results: Objective presentation of findings with appropriate tables and figures.
  • Discussion: Interpretation of results, implications, limitations, and future research directions.
  • Conclusion: Summary of key findings and their significance.

References

All references should follow the APA 7th Edition citation style.

 

Article Types

1. Original Research Articles (8,000-10000 words)

  • Title: Clear and concise.
  • Abstract: Maximum 250 words.
  • Keywords: 4-6 relevant terms.
  • Introduction: Background, research problem, and objectives.
  • Literature Review: Summary of previous research and theoretical frameworks.
  • Methods: Detailed research methodology.
  • Results: Presentation of findings.
  • Discussion: Analysis, implications, and limitations.
  • Conclusion: Summary and significance.
  • References: APA 7 format.
  • Optional Sections: Acknowledgements, Funding Statement, Figures.

2. Review Articles (6,000 - 8,000 words)

  • Title: Concise and relevant.
  • Abstract: Maximum 250 words.
  • Keywords: 4-6 relevant terms.
  • Introduction: Aim, research question, and scope.
  • Literature Review: Comprehensive or systematic review of past research.
  • Discussion: Key themes, contradictions, and future research directions.
  • Conclusion: Summary and research gaps.
  • References: APA 7 format.
  • Optional Sections: Acknowledgements, Funding Statement, Figures.

3. Short Communications (Up to 4,000 words)

  • Title: Concise and clear.
  • Abstract: Maximum 150 words.
  • Keywords: 4-6 relevant terms.
  • Main Text: Concise presentation without sections.
  • References: APA 7 format.
  • Optional Sections: Up to 3 figures/tables (no appendices).

4. Letters to the Editor (Maximum 500 words)

  • Title Page:
    • Concise title
    • Running title
    • Author names and affiliations
    • Corresponding author details
    • Word count, number of references, tables, and figures
  • Text: Maximum 1500 words.
  • References: Maximum 10.
  • Tables and Figures: Up to 1 table and 1 figure.