Research Wall of Afghanistan: Community Standards for Contributors

Research Wall of Afghanistan (RWA) Researcher & Creator Guidelines

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Table of Contents

1. Research Wall of Afghanistan (RWA) Researcher & Creator Guidelines
2. 1. Introduction
3. 2. Mission and Vision
4. 3. Code of Conduct
5. 4. Research Submission Guidelines
   1. What You Can Submit
   2. Language
   3. Structure of Submissions
   4. Word Count
6. 5. Content Quality Standards
7. 6. Citation and Referencing Requirements
8. 7. Ethical Considerations
9. 8. Moderation and Review Process
10. 9. Community Engagement and Feedback
11. 10. Resources for Researchers
12. Final Note

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1. Introduction

The Research Wall of Afghanistan (RWA) is a dedicated platform for researchers, thinkers, and creators who aim to contribute meaningful knowledge to Afghanistan’s intellectual landscape. This booklet is your guide to ensure your contributions are impactful, respectful, and adhere to high standards of quality and ethics.

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2. Mission and Vision

• Mission: To advance knowledge in Afghanistan by promoting research, fostering collaboration, and encouraging intellectual exploration across diverse fields.
• Vision: To create an inclusive, ethical, and dynamic research community that strengthens Afghanistan’s potential by addressing both local and global challenges.

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3. Code of Conduct

1. Respect Diversity:
   RWA is open to individuals from all backgrounds, beliefs, and disciplines. Treat others with respect and kindness, regardless of their opinions or expertise. Avoid discrimination, offensive language, or derogatory remarks.
2. Maintain Professionalism:
   All communication and contributions should reflect professionalism. Avoid using informal language, emojis, or slang that could be misunderstood or deemed inappropriate.
3. Uphold Integrity:
   Share original work or properly cited material. Avoid plagiarism, fabrication, or falsification of data. Misrepresentation of your identity, qualifications, or work is strictly prohibited.
4. Promote Collaboration:
   Constructive feedback and cooperation are encouraged. Avoid dismissing ideas rudely, and focus on building a supportive and encouraging environment for everyone.

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4. Research Submission Guidelines

What You Can Submit

• Articles, papers, and studies in fields such as:
  • Science and Technology (e.g., renewable energy, artificial intelligence)
  • Arts and Humanities (e.g., Afghan culture, history, and literature)
  • Social Sciences (e.g., sociology, education, psychology)
  • Environmental Studies (e.g., climate change, water management)
  • Multidisciplinary research connecting various fields

Language

Submissions should be in one of the following languages:

• English: Internationally understood for broader reach.
• Dari or Pashto: To maintain accessibility for Afghan readers.

Structure of Submissions

1. Title: A concise and descriptive title (e.g., “Impact of Renewable Energy on Afghanistan’s Economy”).
2. Abstract or Summary: A brief overview (150–300 words) summarizing the research and its conclusions.
3. Main Content: Use clear sections with headings and subheadings to improve readability. Include details about methodology, findings, and analysis.
4. References: All sources must be cited, following the citation requirements in Section 6.

Word Count

While there is no strict limit, aim for 500–2000 words to balance thoroughness with readability.

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5. Content Quality Standards

To maintain high standards, submissions must meet the following criteria:

1. Originality:
   Submit your own work or properly attribute any borrowed material. Repeated submissions of copied or heavily paraphrased content will result in account suspension.
2. Relevance:
   Ensure your research aligns with RWA’s focus on education, knowledge sharing, and uplifting Afghanistan. Avoid overly promotional or unrelated content.
3. Clarity and Accessibility:
   Write in a way that can be understood by readers with varying levels of expertise. Avoid overly technical jargon without explanation, and define key terms.
4. Accuracy and Evidence-Based:
   Ensure your claims are backed by credible evidence, such as peer-reviewed studies, government data, or expert opinions. Unsubstantiated claims will be flagged.

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6. Citation and Referencing Requirements

Proper citation is essential for credibility and integrity. Follow these guidelines:

1. In-Text Citations:
   Cite sources within your text whenever you reference someone else’s ideas, data, or direct quotes (e.g., “According to Smith (2021)…”).
2. Reference List:
   Include a complete reference list at the end of your submission, formatted in a widely recognized style such as:
   • APA (e.g., Author, Year, Title, Publisher)
   • MLA (e.g., Author, Title, Publisher, Year)
3. Hyperlinks:
   For online references, provide clickable hyperlinks to the source. If the source is not freely accessible, include a brief note explaining its origin.
4. Plagiarism:
   Posts containing plagiarism, even unintentionally, will be deleted, and repeat offenders may lose posting privileges.

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7. Ethical Considerations

Ethics are the foundation of quality research. When contributing to RWA:

1. Honesty:
   Present data, findings, and conclusions accurately. Avoid altering or omitting data to support a specific narrative.
2. Respect Privacy:
   Do not share sensitive personal information about individuals or communities without explicit consent.
3. Cultural Sensitivity:
   Be mindful of Afghanistan’s cultural norms and avoid content that could be considered offensive or insensitive.
4. Avoid Harmful Content:
   Refrain from posting anything that promotes violence, discrimination, or misinformation.

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8. Moderation and Review Process

1. Submission Review:
   Every submission is reviewed by moderators for compliance with these guidelines.
2. Feedback on Rejected Posts:
   If your post requires improvement, moderators will provide constructive feedback to help you revise it.
3. Deletion Policy:
   Posts violating ethical standards or lacking proper citations will be immediately deleted. Repeat violations may result in suspension or removal from the platform.
4. Dispute Resolution:
   If you feel your post was unfairly rejected, you can submit an appeal for reconsideration with additional clarification.

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9. Community Engagement and Feedback

Engaging with the RWA community is vital to its success. Here’s how to participate effectively:

1. Thoughtful Comments:
   Respond to others’ work with constructive and respectful feedback. Avoid personal criticisms or dismissive remarks.
2. Collaboration Opportunities:
   Identify shared interests with other contributors and propose collaborative research or projects.
3. Open-Mindedness:
   Be open to diverse viewpoints, even if they challenge your perspective.

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10. Resources for Researchers

To assist you in your research and contributions, we recommend the following tools:

1. Writing Tools:
   • Grammarly: For grammar and style improvement
   • Hemingway Editor: For clarity and simplicity
2. Citation Tools:
   • Zotero
   • Mendeley
3. Open Access Research Databases:
   • DOAJ (Directory of Open Access Journals)
   • PubMed Central
4. Afghan Research Resources:
   • Explore local archives, libraries, and cultural organizations for region-specific knowledge.

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Final Note

By following this guideline, you contribute to a growing community dedicated to fostering knowledge, ethical practices, and innovation in Afghanistan. Your work matters, and together, we can make a lasting difference.

Welcome to the Research Wall of Afghanistan. Let’s shape the future with knowledge!

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