Reviewer Guidelines

Presentation

Does the manuscript present a coherent and critical argument within the field of citizenship studies? Are the ideas clearly organized and logically connected?

Writing

Does the title accurately represent the manuscript? Is the writing concise, academic, and easy to follow?

Length

Which parts of the manuscript should be expanded, removed, condensed, summarized, or combined?

Title

Is the title concise, specific, and reflective of the main issue, argument, or finding presented in the manuscript? Abbreviations should be avoided in the title.

Abstract

Does the abstract clearly include: 1) aim of the study; 2) method or approach; 3) main findings or arguments; and 4) conclusion or implication?

Introduction

Does the introduction clearly and systematically describe:

  • The background of the study;
  • The citizenship issue, social context, or scholarly debate being addressed;
  • Relevant previous studies to justify the novelty of the manuscript;
  • Gap analysis and novelty statement;
  • Research question, hypothesis, or problem statement, if applicable;
  • The approach used to examine the issue; and
  • The aim of the study.

Method

  • The method is written clearly so that other researchers can understand and evaluate the research process;
  • The manuscript does not only define terms but also explains how the research was conducted;
  • The manuscript describes the research design, location or context, participants or data sources, instruments, and data analysis procedures;
  • For conceptual or theoretical articles, the manuscript clearly explains the analytical framework, source selection, and argument development process.

Result and Discussion

  • The findings or arguments are presented clearly and supported by appropriate data, evidence, or scholarly references;
  • The results or discussion are related to the research questions, objectives, or problems stated in the Introduction;
  • The author connects the findings with relevant theories, previous studies, or citizenship-related debates;
  • The author provides scientific interpretation for each major finding or argument;
  • The manuscript discusses the implications of the study for citizenship education, democracy, law, human rights, public policy, or civic life;
  • The author explains the limitations of the research, method, data, or theoretical position;
  • The author identifies further areas for research or development of ideas.

Conclusion

Consists of:

  • Answers the objectives or research questions of the study;
  • Presents the main contribution to citizenship studies;
  • Provides implications or recommendations, if relevant;
  • Is written in paragraph form, not in bullets or numbering.