Research Notes
Research Notes in African Affairs are peer-reviewed short papers that encourage debate and analysis of recent methodological and ethical issues in African studies. The research methods used to study Africa have changed radically over the last thirty years. Research Notes allow researchers to share insights into these issues and to critique recent developments in the field as well as long established practices. In other words, they are papers on research methods for the study of Africa, exploring fresh trends, controversies and debates.
Instructions on submitting a Research Note
Instructions on submitting a Research Note
The key features of Research Notes are that they should:
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be around 4,000-5,000 words long;
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(address an issue of particular methodological or ethical importance to African studies;
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consider recent developments within the field in addition to the author's own personal experience; and,
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make a contribution to our understanding of how Africa can be studied, and the pros and cons of different approaches.
With the exception of the word length, the formatting and style requirements for Research Notes are the same as for standard African Affairs articles, and authors should follow the style guide. Research Notes should be submitted via the online submission site but authors are advised to contact the editors in advance to ensure that a Research Note on a similar topic has not already been submitted. While Research Notes are only published occasionally, we accept submission at any time. Papers are subjected to the same peer review processes as original research articles.