This brief has been written to ensure the overall coherence of the book. It is meant to guide your thinking and will apply to all articles. However, we realize exceptions to the standard organization may have to be made. If you feel it is necessary to amend the organizational style, please discuss the article with your editor to ensure the development will be acceptable.

1. READERSHIP. The book is written for the educated social science reader and will be marketed to academic and public libraries as well as business and government entities. Each article will be intelligently written and comprehensive, with no more than the necessary amount of mathematical explanation. The article should be as interdisciplinary and jargon-free as possible, with explanations provided for any specialized terminology used. Explain concepts in uncomplicated terms as if you were explaining it to an upper-division undergraduate class in a lecture. Use examples to clarify concepts and definitions.

2. STRUCTURE OF THE BOOK. This is a straightforward, organized alphabetically ENCYCLOPEDIA OF SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH METHODS. For the purposes of assigning the articles, they will be organized by length, using the following guidelines:
   • A level articles about 2500 words
   • B level articles about 1000 words
   • C level articles about 500 words
   • D level entries about a sentence or two.
   These word counts include all references and supporting materials. They should in general conform to the style of the sample articles, which can be viewed at the encyclopedia's home page at http://www.referenceworld.com/sage/socialscience.

3. GENERAL ORGANIZATION. Each article's organization will depend first on its length. C length articles will not require subheads since they are short articles. A and B length articles, however, will need subheads to break up the text. Each encyclopedia entry should cover its topic with enough detail to provide the reader with an initial understanding of the topic. See "Writing Your Article" for specifics as to the components for your article category.

4. WORD COUNT. The text of each article should conform to the lengths specified above. When you are assigned your article/s, you will be told into which length category it fits.

5. STYLE & USAGE. Authors should write in a manner that is descriptive and explanatory. Editorializing is to be avoided. Please use nonsexist language and follow these general style guidelines:

   1. Please give an individual's full name (including initials) on first usage. Thereafter, refer to both men and women by their last name.
   2. Avoid sex-specific terminology-mankind-and the use of "man" or "men" as the generic for human being.
   3. Avoid male or female pronouns to describe individuals or people in general and use third person plural (e.g., their) whenever possible.
   4. Paragraphs should be indented.
   5. Double-spacing should be used.
   6. Spelling should be in American English.
   7. Article title word or words should be in bold header.
   8. Cross-references to other word entries (articles) in the encyclopedia should be in small caps. They should appear ONLY when such a reference would amplify the understanding of the reader. You may find it useful to note these at the end of your article so as to point the reader to other articles.
   9. Bibliographic References: No more than three or four references should be included at the end of each article under the flush left heading of "References." See "Writing Your Article" for more specifics.
   10. Subheads: A and B articles will need to have subheadings, and they should be done in regular caps. C articles will not require subheadings.

6. USE OF PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED MATERIAL. Avoid quotations from copyrighted works whenever possible. This will enhance the freshness of the writing. If you do need to use quotations of more than a few words, please contact your editor to determine your need to secure a written permission for use. If you do indeed need permission, it will be your responsibility to secure it.