Guidelines for Review: JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN SCIENCE TEACHING

The literature review

1. The literature review is current and focuses on scholarship most important to the study.
2. The literature review establishes a link between the study and previous research.
3. The guiding theoretical framework is explained and justified.

The problems, questions, or hypotheses

1. There are one or more explicit problems, questions, or hypotheses.
2. The problems, questions, or hypotheses are important to science teaching and learning.
3. The problems, questions, or hypotheses arise from the research literature.

Methodology

1. The methodology is appropriate for the problems, questions, or hypotheses.
2. The methodology is appropriate for the type of study (e.g., ethnographic, philosophical, experimental).
3. The methodology is reported thoroughly but concisely.
4. Samples and sampling procedures are clearly described.
5. Data sources are clearly described.
6. Instrumentation includes reliability and validity.
7. Examples of data collection tools including but limited to, interview protocols, concept maps, observation protocols, and focus group questions are provided.

Results

1. Data tables, figures, and pictures are complete, easy to read and add to the understanding of the study.
2. Quotations are documented and support assertions or warrants.
3. Data address the problems, questions, or hypotheses.

Conclusions

1. The conclusions are supported by the data.
2. The conclusions address the problems, questions, or hypotheses.
3. The conclusions discuss the importance of the study for science teaching and learning.

Style and expression

1. There is an abstract that summarizes the study.
2. The title conveys the nature of the study.
3. The manuscript follows the APA style guide.
4. The manuscript is clear, concise and easy to read.
5. The genre (e.g., expository, narrative) is appropriate for the study.