Structured framing
The question builder converts user-provided population, exposure/intervention, comparator, and outcome fields into a reusable research question and hypothesis template.
Research-tool methodology
What the planning tools do — and do not do.
The idea, novelty-search, design, and manuscript tools are structured decision aids. They produce templates and search logic from user inputs; they do not independently validate scientific novelty, ethics, statistical assumptions, or causal inference.
Search construction
The PubMed tool builds Boolean title/abstract searches from user-supplied synonyms. It is a starting search, not a systematic search strategy.
Framework suggestions
The study-design builder maps broad aims and data availability to common designs and reminds users of major design decisions.
Transparent ranking
The journal finder uses scope, article type, topic overlap, indexing, speed when reported, and user priorities — never a claimed probability of acceptance.
How ScholarRounds works
ScholarRounds is designed to help authors build a sensible submission shortlist. It does not predict editorial decisions.
Submission Fit Score
The matcher combines journal scope tags, specialty overlap, manuscript-type compatibility, keywords in the title/abstract, and the priorities selected by the user. If a career deadline is entered, a reported first-decision time can influence ranking.
What the score is not
It is not an acceptance probability, a reviewer score, or a guarantee that an editor will send the paper for peer review.
Indexing
The launch database separately records PubMed, MEDLINE, and PMC status. Users are given a link to verify the current journal record in the NLM Catalog.
Decision-time metrics
Publisher-reported first-decision times are preferred. If a current first-decision metric is unavailable, ScholarRounds says “not reported.” Submission-to-acceptance and submission-to-publication figures are not silently substituted.
Impact factor
Impact factor is displayed as a reference field when available, but it is not treated as the primary quality or suitability metric. The year is shown because journal metrics change.
APCs and cost
The current launch database does not claim specific APC amounts unless they have been separately verified. Users are directed to confirm current charges, waivers, and institutional agreements with the journal.
Data updates
Every journal profile displays a last-verified date. Users can report changes through the contribution form. Before submitting, authors should still confirm article type, editor/contact, charges, and indexing on the live source.
Advertising independence
Sponsored resources are labeled and rendered outside the journal ranking. Sponsors cannot buy a higher fit score, a journal badge, or a recommended position.
Launch limitationThe initial database is intentionally small and surgery-heavy. ScholarRounds should expand specialty by specialty instead of pretending an incomplete database is comprehensive.