Embedded Files
This guidance is provided by QDR to assist authors in effectively approaching journal editors when submitting a manuscript with ATI annotations. There are three effective strategies for navigating the journal submission and review process. These approaches have been successfully used by authors of manuscripts with ATI annotations.
Submit with a link to anonymised ATI Annotations: Include a link to an anonymised, annotated manuscript hosted on QDR, modelled on the ATI data availability statement, when the manuscript is submitted to the journal’s submission system. Reviewers can consult the annotated manuscript as well as associated data files. QDR curators will coordinate the availability of the anonymised copy.
Submit ATI annotations as a traditional supplement: Provide a complete list of annotations, including text excerpts annotated and links to anonymised versions of any related data files, as a traditional supplement through the journal’s submission system. QDR curators can assist in compiling the list of annotations and obtaining the anonymised data project files (if applicable).
Exclude ATI annotations from peer review: Since ATI is still a fairly new approach, the author may choose not to include annotations in the peer review process to avoid potential confusion or distraction for reviewers. This approach is similar to the common practice of quantitative research, where data and code are shared once the article is accepted for publication.
For the first two strategies, QDR recommends mentioning ATI in a cover letter to the journal’s editors. For the third strategy, the author(s) can introduce ATI annotations in the correspondence following the manuscript’s acceptance. QDR has provided template letters with contact details to support researchers to communicate effectively with editors regarding incorporating ATI annotations. These are below.
Template letter: Using ATI During Peer Review
Template letter: Using ATI During Peer Review
Subject: Inclusion of ATI Annotations in Manuscript Review
Dear [Editors],
[Additional information the author wishes to offer]
To enhance the transparency and evaluability of my work, I used Annotation for Transparent Inquiry (ATI), a technique designed to make qualitative and mixed-methods research more transparent. Similar to conventional supplementary materials, I believe the ATI annotations significantly strengthen my manuscript. I would very much like to make these annotations accessible to reviewers and included in the publication, should my manuscript be accepted.
Below, I include some information on ATI provided by the Qualitative Data Repository (QDR), which developed this technique. QDR indicated they can assist with technical aspects, ensure the double-blindness of the peer review process, and answer any related questions. The peer-review process for articles with ATI annotations is expected to be similar to that for articles without annotations and should not require additional work from the editors.
Please let me know if including my ATI annotations in the review process is possible. I am available to answer any questions you may have about the annotations, their content, or the process of making them accessible to reviewers and, ultimately to your journal’s readers.
What is ATI?
Annotation for Transparent Inquiry (ATI) enhances transparency in qualitative research by allowing scholars to “annotate” specific passages in an article. Annotations appear as a digital overlay on the text of any web page. Annotations amplify the text and, when possible, include links to data sources underlying claims. Linked data sources in the publication can be hosted in a dedicated data repository. QDR provides additional information on ATI. https://qdr.syr.edu/ati An example of ATI for a published article can be seen here.
How can ATI be integrated with double-blind peer review?
My/Our manuscript includes a link to an anonymized, identical version of the paper hosted at QDR that shows the ATI annotations as they would appear alongside a published article. It also includes a link to an anonymised version of the associated data project at QDR including additional documentation [and data files].
Or
I have included the ATI annotations as supplementary material. These annotations will be accessible alongside the annotated text in the published article.
How does the publication process work for papers with ATI annotations?
When an ATI-annotated manuscript is accepted for publication, QDR will manage the integration of annotations onto the article post-publication. These annotations will appear as a “digital layer” on top of the published article, matching its placement on the journal’s web page: there is no additional annotated copies of the article. ATI annotations will be added as quickly as possible after the article appears online, within two business days.
Authors are requested to include a data availability statement in their papers that references QDR, available here.
How can readers see ATI annotations?
The default view of the published article does not show annotations. Readers can view the annotations by clicking on a dedicated link in the data availability statement or on the supplementary data landing page on QDR. Here is an example of a landing page for supplementary data on QDR.
Thank you for considering the inclusion of ATI annotations in the review process. I look forward to your response.
Best regards,
[Name]
[Affiliation]
[Contact Information]
Template letter: Using ATI after acceptance of manuscript
Template letter: Using ATI after acceptance of manuscript
Subject: Inclusion of ATI Annotations in Manuscript Publication
Dear [Editors],
[Additional information the author wishes to offer]
To enhance the transparency and evaluability of my work, I have used Annotation for Transparent Inquiry (ATI), a technique for making qualitative research more transparent. Similar to conventional supplementary materials, I believe the ATI annotations significantly strengthen my manuscript. I would very much like to make them accessible to reviewers and include them in the publication should my piece be accepted.
I include below some information on ATI provided by the Qualitative Data Repository (QDR), which developed this technique.
How Does the Publication Process Work for Papers with ATI Annotations?
If an ATI-annotated manuscript is accepted for publication, QDR will handle the annotation of the article once published. The annotations represent a “digital layer” on top of the published article, appearing exactly where and how the article appears on the journal web page: there is no additional annotated copy of the article. ATI annotations will be added as quickly as possible after the article appears online, always within two business days.
We ask that authors include a data availability statement in their papers that references QDR available here.
How Can Readers See ATI Annotations?
The default view of the published article does not show any annotations. Readers can view the annotations in association with the published article by clicking on a dedicated link in the data availability statement or on the landing page for the supplementary data on QDR. Here is an example of a landing page for supplementary data on QDR.
Thank you for considering the inclusion of ATI annotations in the review process. I look forward to your response.
Best regards,
[Name]
[Affiliation]
[Contact Information]
Report abuse