Style Guide and Author Guidelines 

I. General Principles and Submission Process 

1.1. Language and Originality 

Manuscripts to be published in Medialog TR must be scientifically original and written in either Turkish or English. Only one manuscript by the same author may be published in a given year (excluding special issues). 

1.2. Submission Process 

All article submissions must be made online via the DergiPark system (https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/pub/medialogtr). Authors are required to be registered users of the system and must possess a valid ORCID number. 

1.3. Documents to Be Uploaded During Submission

The following documents must be uploaded to the system in their entirety during submission: 

• Main Text File: Microsoft Word file (.doc or .docx) prepared in accordance with the journal template and containing no information identifying the author. 
• Copyright Form/Author Decleration Form: A form downloaded from the journal’s website and signed by all authors. The form includes all information regarding the article, author details (including ORCID), contribution ratios, ethics committee approval, conflict of interest, funding, use of artificial intelligence, originality, and copyright declarations in a single document. 📝 Copyright Form:Author Decleration Form (1).docx 
• Ethics Committee Approval Certificate: A scanned copy of the approval certificate obtained from the relevant ethics committee for studies involving human or animal participants (surveys, interviews, scales, experiments, observations, focus groups, etc.). The approval date, number, and institution name must also be specified in the Methods section. 
• Similarity Report: A report showing a similarity rate of no more than 20% excluding the references. 

1.4. Ethical Principles and Preliminary Review 

Manuscripts that do not comply with the submission guidelines will be returned to the author for revision without undergoing peer review. Studies derived from theses will not be considered for review unless they offer an original contribution in terms of methodology, sample, or analysis; in such cases, the thesis citation must be provided in a footnote. 

Our journal adheres to the principles of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). In accordance with the 2020 criteria of TR Dizin, ethical committee approval is mandatory for all studies involving human and animal participants (surveys, scales, interviews, focus groups, observations, experiments, etc.). The date, number, and name of the ethical committee must be clearly stated in the methods section and in the endnotes of the article. 

The use of artificial intelligence tools (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, etc.) is evaluated within the framework of the principle of transparency. Artificial intelligence cannot be listed as an author; however, when used for purposes such as language editing or literature review, this must be clearly stated in the methods section or in the endnotes. 

1.5. Peer Review Process 

Submitted manuscripts are first subjected to a preliminary review by the editors and then forwarded to at least two reviewers as part of a double-blind peer review process. In the event of a disagreement between the reviewers’ opinions, a third reviewer is consulted. The review process takes an average of 6–12 weeks. 

II. Formatting the Text

2.1. Software, Font, and General Layout 

Articles must be submitted in Microsoft Word format (.doc or .docx), using the Times New Roman font, 12-point size, and single-line spacing; a 6nk space should be used before and after each paragraph. 

2.2. Article Length 

Research and review articles should be between 6,000 and 8,000 words, including footnotes and references. Book reviews, interviews, and evaluations of audiovisual works submitted to the journal should be between 1,000 and 2,000 words, including footnotes and references. 

Templates can be downloaded from the links below: 

• Article Template: https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/journal-file/34343
• Book Review Template: https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/journal-file/34344 
• Interview Template: https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/journal-file/34345 

2.3. Abstract and Keywords 

Manuscripts must be submitted with two abstracts: one in Turkish and one in English. Each abstract should be between 100 and 150 words. At least 3 and no more than 5 keywords must be listed below the abstracts. Abstracts should be written in 8-point Times New Roman font with single spacing. 

2.4. Heading Levels 

All headings must be left-aligned: 

• Main Heading (Article Title): First letter of each word capitalized, bold, 14 pt. 
• First-Level Heading: First letter of each word capitalized, bold, 12 pt. 
• Second-Level Heading: Sentence case, bold, 12 pt. 
• Third-Level Heading: Sentence case, italic, 12 pt. 

2.5. Footnotes

If used, footnotes should be in 10-point font, justified, and single-spaced. Footnotes should be numbered and placed at the bottom of the page. Explanatory notes should be provided as footnotes, not endnotes. 

2.6. Direct Quotations 

• Short quotations (fewer than 40 words): These are included within the text, enclosed in double quotation marks and set in italics. 
• Long quotations (40 words or more): Presented as a block, indented 1 tab on both sides, and in italics. The font, point size, and line spacing used in the main text apply to quotations. 

2.7. Numbers 

Single-digit numbers appearing in the text should be written out in words (e.g., five, nine), while larger numbers should be written as numerals (e.g., 15, 248). 

2.8. Emphasis and Proper Nouns 

The author’s own emphasis is indicated by single quotation marks (‘ ’). The titles of books, films, magazines, paintings, and theses are written in italics. 

2.9. Tables, Figures, and Illustrations 

Graphs, photographs, tables, and other visual elements used in the text should be placed in appropriate locations within the text. Such visual elements should be numbered as Table 1, Table 2, Figure 1, Figure 2, and so on. Table captions appear above the table, and figure captions appear under the figure; captions are not written in italics. Text within tables and figures should be in Times New Roman 9 pt. Tables should be avoided for content consisting of a small amount of data; such data should be presented within the text. For tables and figures taken from other sources, the source citation must be indicated below the table or figure. 

III. Types of Manuscripts and Structural Format 

All manuscripts to be published in our journal must be organized in accordance with the structural guidelines outlined below. The required sections for each type of manuscript and the specific content requirements for these sections are detailed below. 

3.1. Research Articles 

Research articles are reports of original scientific research conducted using a specific methodology. 

3.1.1. Introduction 

The conceptual and theoretical framework of the research problem should be outlined with reference to existing studies in both the international and national literature. In the final paragraph before moving on to the subheadings, the academic and/or practical significance of the study should be emphasized; its original contribution to the field should be clearly stated; and the scope of the study should be defined by summarizing the primary objective of the research and the methodology employed. 

3.1.2. Subheadings Related to the Topic 

The topic at the core of the study should be addressed in depth, both theoretically and conceptually, under subheadings as necessary. 

3.1.3. Purpose and Method 

This section should begin with one or more transition sentences that lead into the analytical part of the study. 

Purpose: After stating the general purpose of the study, the specific research questions should be listed item by item and/or the hypotheses to be tested should be formulated. 

Method: The type of research design adopted—quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods—should be specified; the following elements must be explained, whether under separate headings or within a single paragraph: 

• Research Design: The research design used (e.g., survey design, case study, experimental design). 
• Population and Sample: The target population of the study and how and on what grounds the sample/participants/subjects were selected from this population. 
• Data Collection Tools: The characteristics of tools such as questionnaires, scales, interview forms, and observation protocols, along with their development/adaptation process. 
• Procedure and Data Collection Process: How, when, and under what conditions the data were collected. 
• Data Analysis: The validity and reliability coefficients of the scales used, along with the statistical or qualitative analysis methods applied (e.g., content analysis, descriptive statistics, hypothesis tests), must be explained in detail. 

3.1.4. Findings 

The results of the analysis of data obtained in accordance with the research questions or hypotheses should be presented in a systematic and objective manner. Findings should be reported as they are, without interpretation, and supported by tables, figures, or quotations. 

3.1.5. Discussion and Conclusion 

This section should begin with a brief recap of the study’s initial objective and a summary of the main findings. The findings should be discussed within the context of the literature introduced in the introduction; similarities, differences, and possible causes should be examined. This section should include the researcher’s original conclusions and syntheses derived from the findings. The study should conclude by offering recommendations for future research in the field and emphasizing the overall contribution of the research. 

3.1.6. Additional Notes and Statements (Optional) 

Additional notes and information, such as acknowledgments, that are not appropriate to include in the main text may be included in this section. 

3.1.7. References 

All sources cited in the study must be listed in accordance with APA 7.0 style. 

3.2. Review Articles 

Review articles are studies that systematically synthesize the existing body of knowledge on a specific topic, evaluate it from a critical perspective, and aim to provide a new perspective on the field. 

3.2.1. Introduction 

The importance and relevance of the topic under examination should be established by referencing relevant domestic and international sources. Before proceeding to the subheadings, the unique perspective the review will bring to the field, its primary objective, and the systematic search/analysis method employed should be explained to define the scope of the study. 

3.2.2. Subheadings Related to the Topic 

In this section, which forms the main body of the review, the topic should be elaborated upon in a logical sequence under subheadings; different approaches, theories, and findings should be discussed in a comparative manner. 

3.2.3. Discussion and Conclusion 

Referring to the study’s initial objective, the key findings and discussions derived from the reviewed literature should be summarized. A synthesis of the existing knowledge should be provided; gaps, inconsistencies, or emerging trends in the literature should be evaluated with a critical eye. The researcher’s original interpretations and syntheses resulting from the comprehensive review should be included. The study should conclude with guiding recommendations for future research on the topic. 

3.2.4. Additional Notes and Statements (Optional) 

3.2.5. References 

All studies included in the review must be listed in the reference list in accordance with APA 7.0 style. 

3.3. Book Reviews, Interviews, and Critical Essays 

These types of writings analyze a specific work (book, film, documentary), event (conference, exhibition, festival), or phenomenon within the field of communication from a critical perspective and provide the reader with an informative overview. Interviews, on the other hand, are conversations with experts in their fields that contribute to the discipline of communication. 

3.3.1. General Framework 

These types of writings do not involve field research based on original data collection. The primary focus is on a thorough, analytical, and critical examination of an existing product or phenomenon. The originality and value of the review are measured by the author’s expert perspective on the subject, new interpretations, and intellectual contributions to the field. The relevant templates available on the journal’s website must be used for book reviews and interviews. 

3.3.2. Structural Flexibility 

There is no fixed or mandatory heading structure for review articles. Authors may create a heading structure that best suits the nature of the work or phenomenon they are reviewing and their own analytical approach. For example, a book review may be structured under headings such as “Summary of Content,” “Key Arguments,” “Methodological Approach,” “Contributions and Limitations,” and “Overall Evaluation.” The flow and coherence of the text should be clear, understandable, and reflect critical depth.

Important Note: For in-text citations and the reference list format, APA 7.0 guidelines must be strictly followed in all types of work. 

IV. APA 7.0 Citation Examples 

4.1. In-Text Citations 

A) Basic Usage 

1. Single-Author Source 

In parentheses: (Mutlu, 2020) 

In the text: Mutlu (2020) notes that communication ethics has been redefined alongside the digital transformation. 

2. Two-Author Source 

In parentheses: (İrvan and Çakır, 2019) 

In the text: İrvan and Çakır (2019) examined the development of media literacy in Turkey from a historical perspective. 

3. Source with Three or More Authors 

In parentheses: (Binark et al., 2021) 

In the text: Binark et al. (2021) analyzed how the algorithmic structures of social media platforms shape content distribution. 

Note: In English texts, “et al.” is used instead of “vd.” 

B) Special Cases 

4. Institutional Author (First Instance) 

In parentheses: (Turkish Statistical Institute [TÜİK], 2022) 

In the text: According to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK, 2022)… 

5. Institutional Author (Subsequent Citations) 

In parentheses: (TÜİK, 2022) 

In the text: In the TÜİK (2022) report… 

6. Different Works by the Same Author in the Same Year 

(Korkmaz, 2020a) 

(Korkmaz, 2020b) 

7. Different Authors with the Same Last Name 

(A. Çelik, 2018; M. Çelik, 2021) 

C) Direct Quotations 

8. Short Quotations (Fewer Than 40 Words) 

These are presented within the text, enclosed in double quotation marks and set in italics. 

Example: Şenyapılı (2019) states that “digital surveillance constitutes a new mechanism of control in modern societies” (p. 156). 

9. Long Quotes (40 Words or More) 

Presented as a block, indented 1 tab on both sides and in italics; the main text’s font, point size, and line spacing are preserved: 

Television journalism in Turkey has undergone significant transformations in both technology and content since the 2000s. In particular, the proliferation of private television channels, the commercialization of news, and concerns over ratings have led to the widespread adoption of the infotainment format. This transformation is regarded as a significant development that has undermined the social responsibility function of news (Köker, 2018, p. 89). 

D) Citing Multiple Sources 

10. More Than One Source 

Research on the effects of new media in communication studies (Dağtaş, 2017; Erdoğan, 2020; Gürcan, 2021) points to similar findings. 

Note: Multiple sources are listed in parentheses in alphabetical order by the author’s last name, separated by semicolons. 

4.2. Examples of References 

Book (Single Author) 

Mutlu, E. (2020). İletişim sözlüğü (8. baskı). Sofos Yayınları. 

Book Chapter 

Binark, M. (2019). Yeni medya çalışmalarında yöntem sorunsalı. M. Binark (Ed.), Yeni medya çalışmaları içinde (ss. 21-58). Dipnot Yayınları. 

Translated Book 

Castells, M. (2013). İletişim gücü (E. Kılıç, Çev.). İstanbul Bilgi Üniversitesi Yayınları. (Orijinal eserin yayın tarihi 2009) 

Article with DOI 

Köker, E. (2018). Televizyon haberciliğinde dönüşüm. İletişim Kuram ve Araştırma Dergisi, 47, 85-104. https://doi.org/10.1234/ikad.2018.47.05 

Article without DOI 

İrvan, S. ve Çakır, M. (2019). Medya okuryazarlığının Türkiye'deki gelişimi. Medya ve İletişim Çalışmaları, 12(3), 45-67. 

Thesis 

Yıldız, A. (2021). Dijital platformlarda kullanıcı davranışları (Yayımlanmamış doktora tezi). Ankara Üniversitesi, Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü. 

Website 

Türkiye İstatistik Kurumu. (2022, 26 Ağustos). Hanehalkı bilişim teknolojileri kullanım araştırması, 2022. https://data.tuik.gov.tr/Bulten/Index?p=12345 

Social Media Post 

Anthropic [@AnthropicAI]. (2024, 15 Mart). Yeni araştırmamız hakkında bilgi [Tweet]. X. https://twitter.com/AnthropicAI/status/123456789 

YouTube/Video 

TRT Belgesel. (2023, 10 Mayıs). Türkiye'de basın tarihi [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABC123 

AI Output 

OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (Version 4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com 

For more detailed examples, please refer to the official APA 7.0 resource page: https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/references/examples