Manuscript Type

The Journal of Political Science and Applied Social Studies accepts various types of manuscripts. The word counts specified below refer to the body of the paper; they do not include the title page, abstract, keywords, tables, figures (or their captions), reference list, or appendices.

Research Articles (up to 7,000 words; peer-reviewed)

Research articles present significant new research findings, covering the entirety of a research project. Quantitative studies involve the statistical analysis of survey data or secondary data. Qualitative studies include case studies, focus groups, interviews, and similar approaches. Research articles typically consist of an abstract, introduction, methodology, results, discussion, and a list of references. Authors of research articles must adhere to our policies regarding access to scholarly work. Citations and references must be complete and follow the 7th edition of the APA style.

Case Studies (up to 7,000 words; peer-reviewed)

Case studies are reports focusing on a single, specific case (generally one deemed interesting or unusual). Such studies typically arise from the author’s actual experience or objective observation. This manuscript format is popular among practitioners. It is essential that case studies remain objective rather than promotional. The case should highlight a novel programmatic approach, a best practice, or an organizational structure. It must also provide sufficient references to previous research on the issues addressed, thereby establishing a context for the current case study. Citations and references must be complete and follow the 7th edition of the APA style.

Reflective Essays (up to 7,000 words; peer-reviewed)

Reflective essays offer a critical reflection on one’s own work—or the work of one’s organization—in relation to specific issues or strategies. While similar to case studies, these essays incorporate a more personal perspective and a greater degree of subjectivity. The writing style may lean toward popular journalism, yet it possesses a depth of substance that far exceeds that of typical trade journal articles. Such pieces may take the form of case studies, post-project analyses (examining why a project failed), policy commentaries, position papers on best practices, or even proposals for new strategies, techniques, or approaches. Citations and references must be complete and adhere to the 7th edition of the APA style.

Review Articles (up to 7,000 words; peer-reviewed)

Review articles do not present original research; instead, they synthesize findings from numerous articles on a specific topic into a coherent narrative regarding the current state of an evolving field—namely, food systems and agricultural development. These articles provide insights into the subject matter while offering references to the original research. Citations and references must be complete and adhere to the 7th edition of the APA style.

Research Briefs (up to 3,500 words; peer-reviewed)

Research briefs generally provide updates on ongoing research of national or international significance. They are typically follow-ups to previously submitted research papers, though they may also present preliminary findings from new studies. Research briefs can be fast-tracked for immediate publication due to their high level of timeliness. Citations and references must be complete and follow the APA 7th edition style.

Program, Policy, and Practice Briefs (up to 700 words; peer-reviewed)

These briefs offer a concise summary of established programs, policies, or practices, focusing on one of three key thematic areas: (1) training in agroecological production, (2) value chain coordination, and (3) sustainable diets. Each brief must begin with a "summary" (in place of an abstract). While peer-reviewed, these briefs are also fast-tracked for immediate publication due to their high level of timeliness.

Responses (up to 3,500 words; subject to rebuttal; not peer-reviewed)

Response articles offer opinions on content previously published in the journal. Such articles should outline the most significant conclusions of the piece being discussed, place that work within the context of the current state of the field, highlight controversial issues, identify the strengths and weaknesses of the original article (where relevant), and examine questions that remain unanswered. If a response is accepted, a copy will be sent to the author(s) of the original article (if applicable); the original author(s) will then have the opportunity to provide a rebuttal—including new material—which will be considered for publication alongside the response. Perspective (up to 7,000 words; peer-reviewed and open to rebuttal)

A Perspective is intended to present an in-depth viewpoint on a topic where opinions in the literature remain controversial or unresolved. The goal is for readers to benefit from new and unconventional ideas. Perspective manuscripts should delve deeply into a specific issue, present or propose new insights or solutions, and draw extensively from relevant literature. Calls for Perspectives on specific topics may be announced from time to time and may include particular instructions. An abstract and a list of keywords are required. Citations and references must be complete, follow the 7th edition of the APA style, and include accurate DOIs.

Opinion (up to 1,500 words; open to rebuttal; not peer-reviewed)

An Opinion piece is intended to present an in-depth perspective on a topical and debatable subject. The aim is for readers to gain a fresh perspective on a given topic. Opinion manuscripts should be concise and offer new insights into a specific problem or opportunity. Do not include an abstract, but please provide a list of keywords. Citations and references must be complete and follow the 7th edition of the APA style.