Checklist to avoid common mistakes
| Task | Achieved |
|---|---|
| Introduction 2–3 paragraphs (one double-spaced page) | |
| Introduction moves from broad to specific | |
| Methods written in past tense | |
| Methods describe what was done when (more is better) | |
| Methods define all variables present in Results | |
| Results written in past tense | |
| Results written using parallel structure | |
| Results written in objective manner (just the dry facts) | |
| Discussion starts with statement of major finding (answer research question) | |
| Limitations section is complete (answer the questions peer reviewers will ask) | |
| Discussion of policy implications | |
| Paper as a whole—tells a cohesive story (What is your newspaper headline?) | |
| Tables and figures are understandable without looking at the manuscript body | |
| Reference list—is formatted in journal style, and includes accurate information that allows the reader to find it in the public domain (recheck just before paper submission) |