Template for Journal of Educational Psychology and Assessment
Title of the Research Article – (14 size, Bold in Times New Roman)
(Clear, concise, and reflective of key variables and context. Maximum in 15 words)
Ronaldo, P.
Department of Educational Psychology, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
(Maximum 4 authors)
Abstract (12 size, Bold, in Times New Roman)
The abstract should briefly summarize the entire study, typically within 150–250 words. It should include the background of the study, research problem, objectives, methodology, key findings, and major conclusions or implications.
Sinhala/Tamil article must include the abstract in English
Keywords: 4–6 keywords separated by commas
Introduction Abstract (12 size, Bold, in Times New Roman)
This section introduces the research problem and provides background information. It should explain why the study is important and situate it within the existing literature and real-world context.
- Background of the study
- Statement of the problem
- Research objectives / research questions
- Significance of the study
- Scope and limitations (brief)
Literature Review (12 size, Bold, in Times New Roman)
This section reviews relevant theoretical frameworks and previous empirical studies related to the research topic.
- Conceptual / theoretical framework
- Review of global, regional, and local studies
- Research gap identification
Methodology (12 size, Bold, in Times New Roman)
This section explains how the study was conducted, ensuring transparency and replicability.
- Research design (e.g., quantitative, qualitative, mixed method)
- Population and sample
- Sampling technique
- Research instruments
- Data collection procedure
- Data analysis techniques
- Ethical considerations
Results / Findings (12 size, Bold, in Times New Roman)
This section presents the analyzed data objectively without interpretation.
- Descriptive statistics / themes
- Tables and figures (if applicable)
- Key findings aligned with research objectives
Example (APA 7 Table and figures)
Table 1
Demographic Characteristics of the Respondents (N = 120)
| Variable | Category | Frequency | Percentage |
| Gender | Male | 48 | 40.0 |
| Female | 72 | 60.0 | |
| Age | 15–16 | 55 | 45.8 |
| 17–18 | 65 | 54.2 |
Figure 1
Levels of Student Engagement by Gender
Discussion (12 size, Bold, in Times New Roman)
The discussion interprets the findings and links them with previous studies and theories.
- Interpretation of major findings
- Comparison with existing literature
- Implications for practice, policy, or theory
Conclusion (12 size, Bold, in Times New Roman)
This section summarizes the study and highlights its contributions.
- Summary of key findings
- Main conclusions
- Practical and theoretical implications
Recommendations (12 size, Bold, in Times New Roman)
Based on the findings, recommendations may be made for:
- Educational practice
- Policy makers
- School administrators / teachers
- Future research
References – (in APA 7.0)
- Single Author
Format
Author, A. A. (Year). Title of the article. Title of the Journal, volume number (issue number), page range. https://doi.org/xxxxx
Example
Feldman, A. F. (2005). The role of school-based extracurricular activities in adolescent development: A comprehensive review and future directions. Review of Educational Research, 75(2), 159–210.
- Two Authors
Format
Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Year). Title of the article. Journal Title, volume(issue), pages. https://doi.org/xxxxx
Example
Demanet, J., & Van Houtte, M. (2011). School belonging and school misconduct: The differing role of teacher and peer attachment. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 41(4), 499–514. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-011-9674-2
- Three or More Authors
Format
Author, A. A., Author, B. B., Author, C. C., … Author, Z. Z. (Year). Title of the article. Journal Title, volume (issue), pages. https://doi.org/xxxxx
(APA 7 allows up to 20 authors before using an ellipsis)
Example
Abdo, H., Chehabeddine, M., Chehabeddine, H., Nasrallah, I., El-Kak, A., & Hatem, G. (2024). Primary schoolchildren’s difficulties at school following the multiple crises: A single-center cross-sectional study. Educational Challenges, 29(1), 9–27. https://doi.org/10.34142/2709-7986.2024.29.1.01
More APA 7 Examples
Eccles, J. S., Barber, B. L., Stone, M., & Hunt, J. (2003). Extracurricular activities and adolescent development. Journal of Social Issues, 59(4), 865–889. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.0022-4537.2003.00095.x
Devjak, T., & Maver, D. Z. (2018). Child rights and preventive educational activities in public elementary schools in response to violence and deviant behaviour. ARS & Humanitas, 12(1), 124–138. https://doi.org/10.4312/ars.12.1.124-138
Fissel, E. R., Wilcox, P., & Tillyer, M. S. (2018). School discipline policies, perceptions of justice, and in-school delinquency. Crime & Delinquency, 65(10), 1343–1370. https://doi.org/10.1177/0011128718794186
Fares, J., Saadeddin, Z., Tabosh, H. A., Aridi, H., Mouhayyar, C. E., Koleilat, M. K., Chaaya, M., & Asmar, K. E. (2015). Extracurricular activities associated with stress and burnout in preclinical medical students. Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health, 6(3), 177–185. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jegh.2015.10.003
In-Text Citation Reminder (APA 7)
- Single author: (Feldman, 2005)
- Two authors: (Demanet & Van Houtte, 2011)
- Three or more authors: (Abdo et al., 2024)
Appendices (if applicable)
- Questionnaires
- Interview guides
- Observation checklists
- Consent forms
Font Style Guidelines for Research Articles
- English articles: Times New Roman
- Sinhala articles: Iskolapotha
- Tamil articles: Kalaham or Bamini
GENERAL FORMATTING RULES (All Languages)
- Paper size: A4
- Margins: 1 inch (Top, Bottom, Left, Right)
- Line spacing: 1.0
- Paragraph alignment: Justified
- Paragraph spacing:
- Before: 0 pt
- After: 6 pt