Common Mistakes to Avoid
A guide to the most frequent errors we see in submissions -- and how to fix them before you submit.
1. Not Reading the Submission Guidelines
This is the most common reason papers are returned at the editorial check stage. Before you submit anything, read the submission guidelines page in full. Papers missing a title page, using the wrong word count, or formatted incorrectly will be sent back without entering peer review.
2. Including Your Name in the Body of the Paper
PJPCR uses double-blind peer review. That means your name, school, and any identifying details must be removed from the body of the paper before submission. Your title page carries that information. Reviewers should never be able to identify who you are from the paper itself. A common slip is referencing your own prior work with phrases like "in my previous study" -- change these to third person.
3. Weak or Missing Abstract
Your abstract is the first thing an editor reads. A weak abstract that simply describes what the paper is about rather than summarising the methodology, findings, and conclusions is a red flag. Write your abstract last, after the paper is complete, and treat it as a standalone document. If someone reads only your abstract, they should understand what you did, how you did it, and what you found.
4. No Clear Research Question
Many student submissions present information on a topic without ever stating a clear research question or hypothesis. A paper needs a central question it is trying to answer. State it explicitly in your introduction. Everything that follows -- your methodology, your analysis, your conclusion -- should connect back to that question.
5. Methodology That Cannot Be Reproduced
In original research, your methods section must be detailed enough that another researcher could replicate your study. Vague descriptions like "we surveyed some students" or "data was collected online" are not sufficient. Specify your sample size, how participants were selected, what instruments were used, and how data was analysed.
6. Confusing Correlation with Causation
This is one of the most common analytical errors in student research. Finding that two variables move together does not mean one causes the other. If your data shows a relationship, state it as a relationship. Do not overstate your findings. Reviewers will flag this immediately.
7. Inconsistent or Incomplete Citations
Every claim that is not your own original finding must be cited. Missing citations, inconsistent formatting between references, or citing sources you did not actually read are all grounds for rejection. Choose one citation style, apply it throughout, and double-check every reference before you submit.
8. Submitting to Multiple Journals at Once
PJPCR does not permit concurrent submissions. Submitting the same paper to multiple journals simultaneously is considered a violation of academic publishing ethics. If you want to submit elsewhere, withdraw from PJPCR first by emailing the editorial team.
9. Overstating Your Conclusions
Your conclusion should match what your data actually shows. Student papers frequently make claims in the conclusion that go beyond what the research demonstrated. If your study was limited in scope, say so. Acknowledging limitations is a sign of academic maturity, not weakness.
10. AI-Generated Writing
Papers containing substantial AI-generated content will not be considered. This includes using AI tools to write sections, paraphrase existing text, or generate analysis. Your paper must reflect your own thinking and writing. Editorial review includes checks for AI-generated content, and papers flagged will be disqualified immediately.
11. Ignoring Reviewer Feedback
If your paper is returned with a revise and resubmit decision, read the reviewer comments carefully before making changes. Submitting a revised paper that does not address the feedback is one of the fastest ways to receive a rejection on resubmission. If you disagree with a reviewer comment, you may respond professionally in your revision letter explaining your reasoning.
12. Submitting Too Early
A paper submitted before it is ready wastes your time and the reviewers'. Before submitting, ask yourself: Does this paper have a clear research question? Is the methodology sound? Are the conclusions supported by the data? Has someone else read it and given feedback? If the answer to any of these is no, it is not ready.