This journal believes in the importance of transparent and reproducible research.

We encourage authors to follow best practices in reporting their methodology. Reporting guidelines for many study designs, including quantitative and qualitative scholarship across many disciplines, can be found in the EQUATOR Network.

Where possible we encourage authors to make evidence, data, code, and other materials that underpin their findings available to readers. We encourage the use of Data Availability Statements to describe whether the materials that underpin research findings have been made available to readers, and if so, where.

When sharing materials, we recommend using a dedicated repository appropriate to the materials. In particular, repositories that provide permanent identifiers and have robust preservation policies will help to ensure the long-term integrity of published research.

We also encourage authors to cite materials and data they have used in their research, alongside literature citations, to recognise the importance of all kinds of research outputs.

If you have any questions about this policy, please contact the editorial office. 

Data availability

All manuscripts submitted to this journal must contain a Data Availability Statement, explaining where and how readers can access the data underpinning the research published in the manuscript. Data Availability Statements should be placed in the back matter of your manuscript, before the References.