FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a scientific article?
A scientific article is a text that presents the results of original research, following an organized structure to communicate what was studied, how it was done, and what the conclusions were.
2. What is the difference between a scientific article, an abstract, and a report?
A scientific article is a complete text with all the stages of the research. An abstract is a short text that summarizes the content of the article. A report is a more informal document, used to present partial or internal results.
3. How do I choose the right journal to submit my article to?
Choose a journal that publishes research in your area of ​​work, that has a good reputation, and whose audience is appropriate for your topic.
4. What is an impact factor and is it important when choosing a journal?
The impact factor is a measure that indicates the relevance of the journal by the number of citations its articles receive. It can help you choose where to publish, but it is not the only criterion.
5. What is peer review?
It is a process in which experts in the field evaluate your article to ensure quality, accuracy and relevance before publication.
6. Does my article need to be written in English?
Not always. Some journals accept articles in Portuguese or other languages, but English is the most common language to achieve greater dissemination.
7. How long does it usually take for my article to be evaluated?
It can vary greatly, from a few weeks to several months, depending on the journal and the complexity of the review.
8. What is a DOI (Digital Object Identifier)?
It is a unique and permanent code that digitally identifies your article, making it easier to find on the internet.
9. Do I need to pay to submit or publish my article?
Some journals charge submission or publication fees, especially open access ones. Others do not charge. Always check the journal's rules.
10. How can I prepare my article to avoid rejection upon submission?
Follow the journal's rules, write clearly, use reliable references, avoid grammatical errors and check whether your topic is relevant to the journal.
11. What should I include in my article's abstract?

Include the research objective, methodology, main results and conclusions in a short and clear text.

12. What is the standard format for submitting articles?

There are usually specific journal standards, but it usually includes the title, authors, abstract, introduction, methodology, results, discussion, conclusion and references.

13. What ethical precautions should I take when submitting an article?

Avoid plagiarism, declare conflicts of interest, ensure consent in research with people and correctly cite the sources used.

14. Can I submit my article to more than one journal at the same time?

No. This is considered bad practice and can cause rejection or ethical problems.

15. What is plagiarism and how can I avoid it?

Plagiarism is copying someone else's work without giving credit. To avoid it, write in your own words and cite all sources used.

16. How do I correctly cite sources in the article?

Use the citation style requested by the journal (such as APA, Vancouver, ABNT), always mentioning the author, year and page when necessary.
17. What is open access and how does it work?
It is a publishing model that allows free access to the article for everyone, without payment barriers.
18. How do I know if my article has been accepted, rejected or needs revision?
The journal sends a formal response by email informing the decision, which may be acceptance, rejection or request for revision.
19. What is the cover letter to the editor?
It is a brief document sent along with the article, explaining the importance of the work and why it is suitable for the journal. 

20. How do I respond to reviewers' comments?

Read them carefully, respond politely point by point, explain the changes made and justify any disagreements.

21. Can I modify my article after submitting it?

Before evaluation, some journals allow minor corrections. After acceptance, modifications are only possible if requested by reviewers or editors.

22. What is a Creative Commons license?

It is a license that defines how other people can use your article, and may allow for anything from free use to specific restrictions.

23. What are the copyrights of my article after publication?

It depends on the contract with the journal, but generally the author retains the rights and grants the journal the right to publish.

24. How do I publicize my article after it is published?

Share it on social networks, academic websites, research groups and at scientific events.

25. What should I do if my article is rejected?

Read the comments, make improvements and submit it to another more suitable journal.
26. Can I include co-authors? What are the rules for this?
Yes. Co-authors must have contributed significantly to the research and writing of the article.
27. How do technical and scientific reviews work?
Technical reviews check formatting and standards; scientific reviews assess content, methodology, and validity of results.
28. What documents do I need to attach to my submission?
In addition to the article, a cover letter, ethics forms, tables, figures in separate files, among others, may be requested.
29. How do I prepare figures, tables, and graphs for submission?
Use good-quality images, clear captions, and follow the journal's specifications for size and format.
30. Can I submit an article that I have already published in another language?
Generally, it is not permitted to publish the same content in different languages ​​without authorization, to avoid duplication.