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Manuscript Preparation

Manuscripts can be submitted using either an "original research" or a "teacher and learning resource" format:

The original research format is reserved for submissions that include quantitative and/or qualitative data and have institutional review board approval. We require all original research manuscripts be submitted using the standardized template that can be found here https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/epik/original-template-prepare-your-manuscript.docx. Please pay special attention to the formatting prompts found within the template and in the manuscript preparation guidelines below. Improper formatting may cause your manuscript review to be delayed.

The teaching and learning resource format is reserved for submissions such as original classroom activities/assignments and laboratory activities designed to promote the development and sharing of high-quality teaching and learning resources in Kinesiology. General pedagogy submissions will not be accepted. Submissions must include specific kinesiology content and examples throughout the manuscript. Teaching and learning resource submissions are required to follow the standardized templates found here https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/epik/teaching-learning-template-prepare-your-manuscript.docx. Please pay special attention to the formatting prompts that can be found within the template and in the manuscript preparation guidelines below. Improper formatting may cause your manuscript review to be delayed.

EPIK Original Research Manuscript

All submissions should be in English and single spaced and a maximum of 5,000 words (not including the abstract, tables, figures, and references). Please include the following in a single file in the order shown:

1. Title

The title should concisely describe the overall study. Consider a title that will make electronic retrieval of the article sensitive and specific.

2. Authors

Names and institutional affiliations of authors.

3. Abstract and Keywords

The context of the study should be presented with a statement of the purpose of the study, basic methods, main findings, and conclusions. The abstract should be limited to 250 words. In a separate line, 3-5 keywords or short phrases that are not found in the title or abstract should be included to assist indexers in cross-indexing the article.

4. Introduction

Explains the context and/or background for the study. While a review of literature is not appropriate here, enough detail must be provided for readers to understand the reason for conducting the study. Include a statement of purpose or statement of hypothesis.

5. Methods

Details the protocol used to collect study data. Include only the following subheadings:

Participants – Identify sample size and characteristics, including inclusion and/or exclusion criteria. Study participants have a right to privacy that should not be violated without informed consent. Experiments involving the use of human participants must follow procedures in accordance with the ethical standards of the Helsinki Declaration and approval from an Institutional Review Board must be noted.

Procedures – Identify equipment or apparatus (provide manufacturer name and location in parentheses) and procedures in adequate detail to allow other investigators to replicate the study.

Statistical Analysis – Describe in enough detail to allow a knowledgeable reader with access to the original data to verify reported findings. Include the computer software used, and the alpha-level used for the determination of significance.

6. Results

Report results in a logical sequence, presenting the main findings first. Descriptive text, tables, and figures should be unique and not repeat information included in the text. Tables and figures should be restricted to those needed to effectively illustrate findings.

7. Tables and Figures

Include tables and figures in appropriate places within the body of the text (do not list each separately at the end of the manuscript). Each table and figure must be cited in the text and numbered by the order in which they appear in the text. Provide a brief but descriptive title at the top of each table, and explanatory footnotes at the bottom for all nonstandard abbreviations. Tables must be presented in portrait mode and be configured so that they do not span more than one page. Figures should be included in a common electronic format (JPEG or GIF, for example). Provide a descriptive figure caption at the bottom of each figure. Because EPIK primarily exists in an on-line format, it is recommended that color be incorporated into graphs and figures, and color photographs included when appropriate.

8. Discussion

Begin the Discussion with a summary of the main findings of the study and then discuss pedagogical affects (i.e., how the resource is unique, how student performance was affected, how students met the learning outcomes of the course, how it contributed to best practices in teaching and learning, ease of implementation, adaptability). Identify new and relevant conclusions generated from the results. Compare and/or contrast the results with previous research and identify future research ideas.

9. Acknowledgements

Include sources of funding or support, disclaimers, or contributions that do not warrant authorship.

10. References

Provide references to primary research. In-text citations and references should follow the most recent APA guidelines.

11. Conflict of Interest Notification

Inappropriate influences from financial or personal relationships constitute a conflict of interest. Authors desiring to submit a manuscript to be considered for review in the Journal must disclose all relationships that could be viewed as presenting a potential conflict of interest in their cover letter.

EPIK Teaching and Learning Resource Manuscript

All submissions should be in English and single spaced and a maximum of 5,000 words (not including the abstract, tables, figures, and references). Please include the following in a single file in the order shown:

Classroom and Laboratory Resources

1. Title

The title should concisely describe the resource. Consider a title that will make electronic retrieval of the article sensitive and specific.

2. Authors

Names and institutional affiliations of authors.

3. Abstract and Keywords

Include a statement of the purpose and/or objective of the resource, topic covered, intended audience (academic level and/or pre-requisites), intended method of instruction (online, in-person, or hybrid), time commitment, uniqueness, and benefits of the resource. The abstract should be limited to 250 words. In a separate line, 3-5 keywords or short phrases that are not found in the title or abstract should be included to assist indexers in cross-indexing the article.

4. Introduction/Background

  • Purpose of the activity (1-2 sentences)
  • Learning objectives
  • Intended audience (e.g.- upper division exercise physiology course, lower division Intro to Exercise Science course, etc.)
  • Number of students suited for this activity
  • Any prerequisite knowledge, background, or specific coursework the students should have before attempting the activity

5. Methods

  • Suggested classroom management procedures and student roles
  • Equipment/Supplies/Cost (if applicable)
  • Directions/Instructions for students
  • Assessment

6. Discussion

  • Benefits of this resource
  • Potential challenges
  • Discuss level of student engagement (considering availability of resources. If low, suggestions for increasing engagement)
  • Suggested modifications for this activity
  • Accessibility considerations

7. Submission

  • This part of the document would be the one given to students or used in the classroom.

8. References

  • Provide references to primary research. In-text citations and references should follow the most recent APA guidelines.

9. Resources

  • If relevant, this part of the submission would include resources used in the classroom for the activity (e.g.- worksheets, activity pictures, post-activity questions, activity or lab report, presentation, quizzes/exams). In addition, please include answers to any pre- or post-activity questions. If there is not a single correct answer, please provide an example or general notes to what the question is trying to accomplish and guidelines to help another instructor evaluate a reasonable response. Please start this section on a new page.

10. Conflict of Interest Statement

  • Inappropriate influences from financial or personal relationships constitute a conflict of interest. Authors desiring to submit a manuscript to be considered for review in EPIK must disclose all relationships that could be present a potential conflict of interest in their cover letter.
  • Funding