Protocols
Research protocols document planned methodology for non-clinical or general research studies.
Research protocols document planned methodology for non-clinical or general research studies.
When to select this type
Choose Research Protocol when publishing a detailed plan before data collection is complete.
Typical audience
Researchers, funders, and reviewers evaluating study rigor.
Recommended use cases
Purpose
Promote transparency and reduce selective reporting through upfront methodological disclosure.
Scope
Prospective research plans across laboratory, social, behavioral, and field sciences.
Typical structure
Required sections
Recommended sections
Figures
0–3 design schematics.
Tables
0–3 for variables and analysis plans.
References
10–40 references.
Supplementary material
Survey instruments, interview guides, analysis scripts.
Required metadata
Required declarations
Funding requirements
Declare funders and their influence on design.
Conflict of interest
Disclose relevant conflicts.
Ethics requirements
Required when human or animal subjects are involved.
Consent requirements
Describe consent procedures for human participants.
Data availability
State data sharing and repository plans.
AI disclosure
Disclose AI use in protocol development.
Copyright
Authors retain copyright.
Licensing
Open license encouraged for protocols.
Export formats supported
Improve completeness and transparency in qualitative research reporting.
Promote complete and transparent clinical trial protocols before results are known.
Typical journal expectations
Clear objectives, detailed methods, and analysis plan before results.
Typical peer review process
Methodological review without results assessment.
Journal compatibility notes
Methods-focused and registered report venues.
Submission readiness checklist
Select Research Protocol when your manuscript matches the scope, structure, and reporting expectations described on this page. If your work fits a different scholarly format, review similar publication types before submitting.
Contact the editorial team before payment if you need to change publication type. After editorial screening begins, type changes require editorial approval and may restart parts of the review process.
Reporting guidelines listed as recommended should be followed when applicable to your study design. Editorial reviewers assess completeness against the expectations for your selected publication type.
Platform standards for ethical research publication.
Transparent, ethical, and accountable AI use across research and publishing.
Transparency, independence, and responsible disclosure across research and publishing.