Manuscript Type
JACOBS accepts the article types listed below. Select the matching section when submitting. Word counts exclude the title page, abstract, references, tables, figures, and supplementary materials.
| Article type | Description | Length (words) | Abstract | References | Reporting guideline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original Research Article | Empirical study using quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods that makes a clear contribution to theory or practice. | 5,000–8,000 | ≤ 250 | ≥ 25 | APA JARS-Quant, JARS-Qual, or JARS-Mixed; STROBE for observational studies |
| Intervention Study | Randomized, quasi-experimental, or pre-post controlled evaluation of a psychological intervention, including psychotherapy, group therapy, psychoeducation, counseling, and training programs. | 5,000–8,000 | ≤ 250 | ≥ 25 | CONSORT (randomized trials), TREND (non-randomized designs), TIDieR (intervention description) |
| Psychometric Study | Development, adaptation, or validation of a psychological instrument, with evidence of validity, reliability, and, where relevant, measurement invariance. | 5,000–8,000 | ≤ 250 | ≥ 25 | Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing (AERA, APA, & NCME, 2014); ITC Guidelines for Translating and Adapting Tests |
| Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis | Systematic synthesis of evidence on a clearly defined question, with a reproducible search, selection, and appraisal procedure. Prospective registration (PROSPERO or OSF) is strongly encouraged. | 6,000–10,000 | ≤ 250 | ≥ 40 | PRISMA 2020; APA MARS for meta-analyses |
| Scoping Review | Mapping of the extent, range, and nature of evidence on an emerging topic. | 6,000–9,000 | ≤ 250 | ≥ 40 | PRISMA-ScR |
| Single-Case and Clinical Case Study | Single-case experimental designs or detailed clinical case studies that illustrate the application and outcomes of evidence-based techniques. | 3,000–6,000 | ≤ 200 | ≥ 20 | SCRIBE (single-case designs); CARE (case reports) |
| Theoretical or Narrative Review | Integrative theoretical contribution or critical review that proposes new models or research agendas. A pre-submission inquiry to the editor is recommended. | 5,000–8,000 | ≤ 250 | ≥ 40 | - |
| Brief Report | Concise report of novel preliminary findings, replications, or well-powered null results. Maximum two tables or figures. | ≤ 3,000 | ≤ 150 | 15–25 | Relevant APA JARS module |
Notes on Specific Article Types
- Intervention studies must describe the intervention in enough detail to allow replication: theoretical basis, content of each session, number and duration of sessions, delivery format, facilitator qualifications and training, and fidelity monitoring. Session modules may be uploaded as supplementary files. Studies with a single group and only pre-test and post-test measurement must justify the design and discuss its limitations explicitly.
- Psychometric studies should report evidence based on content, response processes, internal structure, relations with other variables, and reliability, as appropriate. Adaptation studies must document the translation and back-translation procedure and the expert review process.
- Systematic reviews and meta-analyses must include the full search strategy for at least one database, a PRISMA flow diagram, a risk-of-bias assessment, and, for meta-analyses, heterogeneity statistics and an assessment of publication bias.
- Clinical case studies require written consent for publication from the client or legal guardian, and all identifying details must be removed or altered without affecting the scientific content.
Reports of community service or training activities are considered only when designed as intervention studies with systematic outcome measurement and analysis.
