Writing Style (joap-writing-style)

JAP prose is theory-forward, precise, and APA 7th-edition throughout. The introduction must make the theoretical contribution unmistakable, the method and results must be reported to a high disclosure standard, and the discussion must interpret meaning and boundary conditions — not restate results. Length is commensurate with the contribution (a Feature Article can be substantial; a Research Report is tighter). This skill fits and polishes; it does not generate claims.

When to trigger

• Drafting the Introduction/Discussion or doing final polish
• Writing the structured abstract
• Aligning the manuscript to APA 7th edition before submission
• A reviewer said the writing buries the contribution, over-claims, or wanders

The JAP narrative arc