Title

Provide a concise, informative title that reflects the content of the manuscript (see additional requirements for Brief Report and Research Review submissions). Avoid unnecessary jargon and abbreviations. Use headline case. Do not include any text breaks when entered into SNAPP.

Abstract

Provide a summary of 150–250 words, single paragraph style (not structured), that highlights the purpose of the manuscript, the major findings, and their implication for the field and / or policy.

Include details, as applicable, on the data source(s), sample size, and analytic approach.

Do not include undefined abbreviations, complicated mathematical expressions, or multiple references.

Keywords

Provide 4–6 keywords / short phrases that can be used for indexing purposes and will allow your manuscript to be identified in an online search. Select keywords that complement, rather than duplicate, words already in the manuscript title. Avoid keywords that are too general or too specific.

  

Title Page

Begin the manuscript with a de-identified title page. Place the manuscript title in 12pt bold font headline case, at the top of the page. Two lines below the title, provide Level-1 heading “Abstract” (see Headings below). Begin the abstract on the next line, left-justified and single-spaced in 12pt font. Two lines below the abstract list the 4–6 keywords / short phrases, following “Keywords:” (bold italic font). Use a page-break to begin the main manuscript on the next page (p. 2).

Title, abstract, and keywords must be identical to entries in SNAPP.

Do not include declarations, authors & affiliations, contributions, or acknowledgements—these will be entered in SNAPP.

Important: a separate title page with full author information is not allowed in SNAPP.

Headings

Divide the main body of the manuscript into sections using the required Level-1 headings for the Type of Article. No other Level-1 headings may be used.

Use lower-level headings only if there are two or more at that Level within a section. Up to three Levels of headings may be used. PRPR does not use numbered sections; do not number the section headings.

Format heading as follows:

• LEVEL-1 (14pt bold font, ALL CAPS, left-justified on own line, blank line preceding).

• Level-2 (12pt bold and italic font, headline case, left-justified on own line).

• Level-3 (12pt bold font, sentence case, followed by period, indented ½ inch, in-line with text).

Do not include a lower-level heading that duplicates an immediately preceding higher-level heading (e.g., you do not need "Data" [Level-2] immediately after "DATA AND METHODS" [Level-1]).

Body Text

Manuscript body text is 12pt font (Time New Roman, Arial, or similar), double-spaced, with font character scale 100% and spacing normal. Use bold and italic font sparingly, except as directed elsewhere in this Style Guide.

Left-justified paragraphs with first line indented ½ inch (us tab stops, not spaces). Spacing before and after paragraphs set at 0pt. Do not use full justification or block paragraphs.

Number pages consecutively beginning with the title page as 1 and the main manuscript text beginning on page 2. Do not include line numbers.

Use in-text citations, but do not include fields codes from any reference management software.

 

Abbreviations / Acronyms

Limit the use of abbreviations/acronyms, as these decrease readability. Abbreviations/acronyms must be defined at first use in the abstract and in the main text. Generally, non-standard abbreviations must be used at least three times.

Standard acronyms for study names (e.g., HRS, Add Health, DHS), statistical terms (e.g., OLS, BIC), or which are universally understood outside of academic contexts (e.g., U.S., HIV) are allowed.

Only use Latin abbreviations (i.e., e.g.) parenthetically (see APA guidance here). Note that APA Style does not use “ibid.”

 

Footnotes

Use to explain or amplify text, but only as necessary to preserve narrative flow; do not use endnotes. Number with superscript Arabic numbers using the “Insert Footnote: tool in MS Word; do not manually place footnotes. Footnotes text is 10pt font (same font as body text), left-justified, single-spaced (do not indent first line).

Do not include lengthy footnotes; consider whether this information should be in the main body or in supplementary materials.

Do not use footnotes solely for citing sources (e.g., weblinks to newspaper articles). See Citations/ References.

 

Numbers

Follow APA Style for numbers expressed in words versus numerals. Generally, use words to express numbers zero through nine, except when referring to coding of variables or specific mathematical functions. Use numerals when referring to numbered hypotheses, models, tables, and figures, etc.

Use numerals when referring to millions (e.g., 3 million), use a comma in thousands (e.g., 5,000).

Percentages are reported as numerals followed by the symbol %; use words for the number if beginning a sentence.

Write out ranges of years in full (e.g., 2019–2020, not 2019–20); same applies to ages (e.g., ages 23–29, not 23–9).

Use en dashes (not hyphens) for ranges of years/scores/ages/other values (e.g., 25–30, 30–40%).

When reporting numbers with decimals, include the leading zero (e.g., 0.123) unless the number cannot potentially exceed 1—such as proportions, probabilities correlations, p-values, etc. Report a consistent number of numerals after the decimal point.

 

Mathematical Expressions / Equations

Center long mathematical expressions / equations on a separate line in and identify by consecutive numbers shown in parentheses right-aligned (using tab stops, not spaces). Place short mathematical expressions / equations in-line, unless they will be referred to elsewhere.

Construct mathematical expressions / equations using an equation editor.

• Show vectors and matrices in bold font (without italics); Greek letters in plain font (without italics); all other non-Greek letters used for variables in italics.

• Use multiplication symbol “×” (i.e., “times”) rather than asterisk “*” or the letter “x.”

• Insert one space on either side of mathematical operators (except for a minus sign denoting a negative number, which should only have a space before).

Explain all variables (including vectors and matrices) in the text immediately following the first mention of the mathematical expression/equation in the text.

Mathematical symbols that appear in the text, tables, or figures must be formatted consistent with the above.

Use the equation editor to format mathematical symbols that appear in text rather than Latin letters in italic font to avoid typesetting errors.

Reporting Data and Methods

Provide sufficient detail for readers to understand all relevant aspects of the research design, using Level-2 headings to differentiate subsections. The standard order for subsection is data, measures, and analytic approach. The exact form will depend on the article type and the methodological approach.

For studies using quantitative approaches:

• Describe data source(s) used, with citation, and the derivation of the analytic sample(s).

• Detail and justify the exclusion and inclusion criteria. Detail missing data (item non-response) and how handled (e.g., listwise deletion, multiple imputation). Address attrition/selectivity (unit non-response) in panel data and how handled. Provide analyses regarding any missing data assumptions (e.g., Missing-at-Random [MAR]) in Supplemental Materials.

• Describe measure/variable operationalization and coding with sufficient detail for replication.

• Use consistent and informative variable names/labels in text, tables, and figures, that convey concept and direction of coding. Labels/names for binary/dichotomous variables that indicate category coded 1 (e.g., “women” not “gender”), so reader can interpret without needing to remember which category is coded high.

• Use italic font for variable labels/names in the measures section text.

• Refer to variable labels/names in the same order across all manuscript elements (text, tables, figures, supplementary materials).

 

For studies using qualitative approaches, recognizing the great variability:

• Describe study participants if primary data collection; search process for locating data if archival.

• Describe the recruitment / search process in sufficient detail for replicability of process, including inclusion / exclusion criteria, providing clear definitions and rationale.

• Describe data collection strategies, protocols, and conditions.

• Describe data-analytic strategies used (e.g., coding, thematic analysis), their purpose, and relevant details of the analysis process— such as coder training, development of coding categories (a priori or emergent), units of analysis, how themes arrived at, software used, etc. Data-analytic strategy must be transparent.

• Use consistent and informative variable/concept/theme names/labels in text, tables, and figures; refer to these in the same order across all manuscript elements (text, tables, figures).

  

Reporting Results

Use a narrative style with sufficient detail so that the text is intelligible independent of any tables / figures (and vice versa).

Provide univariate statistics for all study variables (quantitative studies) or population characteristics (qualitative studies), for all relevant analytic (sub)samples. This must appear in the main manuscript, not any Supplementary Materials. This is often Table 1.

As applicable, connect quantitative results to the associated table. Do not simply say something is “higher” or “lower,” but also include the specific coefficient parenthetically (e.g., b = -1.45, p = .043). Provide exact p-value when reporting statistical significance in the text if p > .001 (note p is italicized). Results at p < .10 may be discussed in the text and noted in tables and figures.

Provide appropriate statistical tests when making comparisons between groups:

• Comparisons between groups on univariate statistics (e.g., means, proportions) must be accompanied by an appropriate test of significance (e.g., t-test, chi-square, etc.).

• Comparisons of parameter estimates between groups in stratified multivariable models must be accompanied by an appropriate statistical test for the equality of coefficients. Statistical significance of specific contrasts between groups should be indicated in tables using lowercase superscript letters and defined in the table notes (see Tables).
  

  

Citations / References

Format in-text citations in the manuscript text and the reference list using APA Style (see this guide for examples of how to cite common works). All works cited in the text must appear in the reference list.

Place the reference list on a separate page immediately after the body text (use a page-break). Include a Level-1 heading “References” at the top of the page. List references in alphabetical order, as per APA Style, single spaced, left-justified with a ½ inch hanging indent.

All references must have a publisher provided  DOI or URL, if available, with an active hyperlink (see additional APA guidance).

Avoid common errors in references:

• Missing issue number for journal articles.
• Improperly capitalized journal names.
• Country names, demonyms, study names, and acronyms are not capitalized in article titles.
• Place of publication included for books.
• Lack of translation for non-English titles (see this link)

Do not rely solely on reference management software, this is the source of most reference errors.

Avoid excessive author citations. Compose text in a way so that author citations are not apparent—if this is unavoidable, blind the author citation for review (be advised that blinded citations make it more difficult for peer reviewers to verify claims).

Tables

Format all tables according to APA Style (see here for setup details and examples). This ensures that all necessary elements are correctly specified. Poorly formatted tables are difficult for reviewers to understand and, should your paper be accepted, will result in typesetting errors.

• Create tables in MS Word (using the Table function—do not copy/paste from another program [e.g., MS Excel] or as an image).

• Provide a title that is a succinct description of the table contents, left-aligned in 12pt headline case black font.

• Number tables consecutively using Arabic numerals in the order to which they are referred; all tables must be mentioned and discussed, however briefly, in the main text.

• When a table contains separate subparts, the table is referred to before the subpart:

o  If a table contains multiple panels, label in the table with an uppercase letter (e.g., “A”). To refer to a specific panel in the text use “see Table 1, Panel A” or similar. Do not label or refer to as “Table 1A.

o  If a table contains multiple models, enumerate in the table with Arabic numerals as appropriate. To refer to a specific model in the text use “see Table 1, model 1” or similar.

• Organize tables to be read from left to right, top to bottom. Minimize repetition of text across multiple columns/rows. Use column spanners, decked heads, and table spanners as appropriate.

• All body cells are single-spaced, use black font no smaller than 9pt.

Provide unabridged tables. Tables presenting quantitative model results should not be abridged; show all parameters and associated information. If there is a need for an abridged table in the main text, include the full unabridged table in the supplementary materials. Include note directing readers to the unabridged table. 

Table notes. Below the last row of each table, place notes necessary for the reader to interpret the table independent of the manuscript text. The word “Note.” begins this component. Notes are 10pt font, sentence case, left-justified, and single-spaced.

• Order notes as general notes (apply to whole table [including N and definitions for abbreviations used]), specific notes (apply to only come cells/elements, each designated with superscript lowercase letter [include a space before superscript]), and the probability note. Use standard probability symbols (e.g., “† p < .10, * p < .05, ** p < .01, *** p < .001”); only include those significance levels that appear in the table.

• All table notes appear in a single paragraph, with each separated by a semi-colon.

• Tables adapted from another source must specify that on a separate line below the table notes. Do not include a source listing to the effect of “author calculations.”

• Include the Standard Error for all multivariable point estimates in tables. List in a separate cell from the point estimate.

•  Include all multivariable model components (e.g., variance estimates, fit statistics).

• Align numerals with columns by the decimal (i.e., “decimal tab”).

Table placement. Place tables at the end of your main manuscript immediately after the references or in a single separate file. Do not include “in-line.”

• Begin each table on a separate page, using page- or section-breaks as appropriate.

• Do not extend tables beyond the 1-inch margins; tables may span multiple pages.

• Indicate table placement in the main text, centered on a separate line (“[Insert Table 1 about here]”).

  

Figures

Format all figures according to APA Style (see here for setup details and examples). This ensures that all necessary elements are correctly specified. Poorly formatted figures are difficult for reviewers to understand and, should your paper be accepted, will result in typesetting errors.

• Provide a title that is a succinct description of the table contents, left-aligned in 12pt headline case black font.

• Number figures consecutively using Arabic numerals in the order to which they are referred; all figures must be mentioned and discussed, however briefly, in the main text.

• When a figure contains multiple panels, label in the figure with an uppercase letter (e.g., “A”) and subtitle. To refer to a specific panel in the text use “see Figure 1, Panel A” or similar. Do not label or refer to as “Figure 1A.”

• Use axis labels and figure notes (styled similar to table notes, see above) so that the figure is intelligible independent of the main text.

• Figures presenting figures presenting statistical estimates should include a note directing readers to the associated main text table or, if they are not presented in the main text, the unabridged supplementary table.

All figure images must be high-resolution and understood when viewed at 100%. In addition:

• Do not include the title, panel labels, or the caption within the figure image itself. Place above / below image in the text document (embed the image).

• Ensure that any color information is still visible when printed in grayscale. For accessibility, use different line styles / point markers/ patterns (as applicable) in addition to colors. Do not refer to color in the figure notes/captions or in the text describing the figures.

• Use black font, no smaller than 8pt for axis titles, data labels, or legends.

Be aware that if your manuscript is accepted for publication, you will be required to provide editable image files for all main manuscript figures (with separate files of each panel in a figure) to production if images were created in any program other than MS Word. Images should be in EPS or TIF format (use the "save as" function). 

Figure placement. Place figures at the end of your main manuscript immediately after any tables or in a single separate file. Do not include “in-line.”

• Place each figure on a separate page, using page- or section-breaks as appropriate.

• Do not extend figures beyond the 1-inch margins; figures may not span multiple pages.

• Indicate table placement in the main text, centered on a separate line (“[Insert Figure 1 about here]”).

  

Common Style and Usage Matters

Related to people or groups:

• Use first-person singular pronouns if sole author.

• Use person-first and destigmatizing language (see NIH Style Guide ).

o Capitalize racial and ethnic groups (e.g., “White”); avoid standalone use (e.g., “White adults” not “Whites.”

o Use “older adults” or similar; not “elderly,” “aged,” “seniors,” etc. that suggests negative age stereotypes.

• Use sex and gender consistently; use gender when referring to social roles, behaviors, expressions, identities.

• Follow the NIH-Style Guide for Medical Language on use of diseases and other conditions (e.g., COVID-19).

• Include age or years in proximity to a numeral denoting such (e.g., “before age 18” not “before 18”).

• Use younger/older when making comparisons between ages; use earlier/later (or more recent) when making comparisons between cohorts.

Related to punctuation / symbols:

• Use “U.S.” (with periods) when an adjective, otherwise use “United States” (U.K., E.U., etc., similar).

• Use serial (Oxford) commas (see APA guidelines ).

• Use N for the total sample, n for subsamples.

• Use em dash “—” rather than en dash (–) or hyphens (--) when making offset/parenthetical statements; do not include a space on either side of the em dash.

• Avoid using any symbols that could be mistaken for mathematical functions.

o Reserve “+” for addition, use > or ≥ to mean “greater than (or equal to).”

o See additional usage information under Numbers and Mathematical Expressions / Equations above.

• Do not use back-to-back parentheticals. Use a single set of parentheses and separate the information with a semicolon. For example: “(see Figure 1; Smith, 2000)” not (see Figure 1) (Smith, 2000).”

Related to word choice / sentence structure:

• Only use “while” and “since” when there is a temporal component. Use “although,” “even though,” “whereas” as subordinating conjunctions of contrast.

• In most cases, “use” is better than “utilize.”

• Avoid using “impact” to mean both “consequence” (noun) and “influence” (verb). Instead use “effect” and “affect,” respectively.

• Watch use of "which" versus "that" (generally only use "which" with restrictive clauses; see here).

• Use "association" rather than "relationship" to avoid confusion, especially when marital/kin relations are the manuscript topic.

• Do not use contractions, colloquialisms, or unnecessary jargon—unless in a direct quote. 

• Watch for overuse of certain words (esp. conjunctive adverbs—“however,” “also,” “thus,” “indeed.”)

• Avoid repetitive sentence structure.

 

Supplementary Materials

Springer Nature differentiates between an Appendix and Supplementary materials.

• An Appendix appears in print immediately following the manuscript references and is generally limited to two “publisher” pages (1–2 small tables or figures). Appendix tables/figures are included in the main manuscript file.

•  Supplementary materials—including additional tables, figures, and expository text—are available to readers online via links in your manuscript, should it be accepted for publication. These materials are contained in a separate document known as an “Online Supplement.”

PRPR Editorial Policy is that a manuscript may have an Appendix or an Online Supplement, but not both.

 

Preparing an Online Supplement

Place appropriate text/tables/figures for any robustness checks or sensitivity analyses in a separate file. Include the “online supplement” in the file name. Do not use the word “appendix” or similar anywhere.

On the first page, include Level-1 heading “Online Supplement” at the top of page, centered. Place manuscript title two lines below heading, 12pt bold font headline case, centered and single-spaced. Do not include author information.

Within the Online Supplement, place and enumerate the tables and figures in the order to which they are referred in the main manuscript text (i.e., do not place all tables and then all figures).

Format the Online Supplement text the same as the main manuscript text using the same PRPR Style Guide.

Refer to the Online Supplement sections/tables/figures in the main manuscript text.

• Label sections with a preceding uppercase letter (e.g., “A. Analysis of Item non-Response.”), using Level-2 heading, if there is more than one section.

• Number supplemental tables/figures separately and consecutively in the order referred to in the main text (e.g., Table S1, Figure S2). Do not include the section label in the table/figure number.

• Direct readers to the specific supplemental sections/tables/figures at the point of relevance in the main text (e.g., “see Online Supplement Section A”; “see Online Supplement Table S2 and Figure S3.”); do not use general “see Online Supplement” if there is more than one section/table/figure.

• All Online Supplement sections/tables/figures must be referred to in the main text.

Online Supplement text, tables, and figures must be “publication-ready,” as these will receive no copy-editing or typesetting from Springer Nature should your paper be accepted. Format all tables and figures according to APA Style and as directed in the PRPR Style Guide.