Scientific review article : What specific formatting guidelines should I follow?

To write a scientific review article, follow these steps:

1. Choose a Topic: Select a specific area of research that has sufficient literature available.
2. Conduct a Literature Review: Gather and analyze existing research articles, papers, and reviews related to your topic.
3. Create an Outline: Organize the information into sections such as introduction, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion.
4. Write the Introduction: Introduce your topic, state its significance, and outline the scope of your review.
5. Discuss the Literature: Present summaries and analyses of key studies, highlighting trends, debates, and gaps in research.
6. Synthesize Information: Connect the findings from different studies, providing a coherent narrative that addresses your review objectives.
7. Write the Conclusion: Summarize key insights, suggest recommendations for future research, and possibly discuss implications for the field.
8. Cite References: Ensure all sources are properly cited in your bibliography to lend credibility and avoid plagiarism.
9. Revise and Edit: Review your manuscript for clarity, coherence, and conciseness. Consider feedback from peers.

Also Check : Differences between a research article and a review article

What should I follow scientific review article?

Formatting guidelines for a scientific review article can vary depending on the target journal, but here are some common elements you should consider:

1. General Structure:
   • Title: Concise and descriptive; should reflect the content of the review.
   • Abstract: A brief summary (150-250 words) outlining the main findings and significance.
   • Keywords: A list of 3-6 keywords to enhance searchability.
   • Introduction: Sets the stage for the topic and outlines the scope of the review.
   • Main Body: Divided into sections (e.g., Methodologies, Results, Discussion, Conclusion) that logically present the information.
2. Style and Formatting:
   • Font: Typically a standard 12-point font (like Times New Roman) is used.
   • Line Spacing: Usually set to double-spacing.
   • Margins: Standard 1-inch margins on all sides.
   • Headings: Use clear and consistent headings and subheadings for each section (leveling may vary by journal).
3. References:
   • Follow the specific citation style required by the journal (e.g., APA, MLA, Vancouver).
   • Ensure all references are complete and correctly formatted according to the chosen style.
4. Figures and Tables:
   • Include figures and tables if they enhance understanding of the content.
   • Each should be labeled clearly (e.g., Figure 1, Table 1) and accompanied by a legend explaining the data.
5. Acknowledgments:
   • Include a section to recognize funding sources, contributors, or any conflicts of interest.
6. Supplemental Material:
   • If applicable, mention any supplemental material or data that accompanies the article.
7. Word Count:
   • Adhere to any word count limitations set by the journal. This usually applies to the abstract, body, and sometimes the references collectively.

Specific Journal Guidelines

Before submission, always check the “Instructions for Authors” section of the target journal for any specific requirements or variations in formatting. This ensures compliance with their submission criteria.

Need More Help?

If you want to know more about a particular journal’s guidelines or need tips on structuring specific sections, just let me know!