AERA Format
Use the exact AERA journal as the controlling venue, then apply its stated APA 7 requirements and any AERA reporting standards relevant to the study. Do not copy a generic “AERA template” when the journal gives its own limits, anonymization rules, abstract requirements, or file instructions.
For AERA journals, start with the target journal’s current author instructions. AERA journals commonly use APA 7 as the style base, while AERA reporting standards and journal-specific manuscript requirements still apply. “AERA format” is therefore a publishing workflow, not one universal page template.
Key details
Further guidance
Reporting Standards
For empirical research, check the AERA reporting standards that fit the design and make sure the manuscript reports the information expected for that method.
Start With Journal
Identify the exact AERA journal before formatting. Its live submission page controls practical requirements such as file type, anonymization, abstract length, page or word limits, and placement of tables or figures.
Style Base
Where the journal specifies APA 7, use APA rules for references, headings, and general manuscript style unless the journal gives a more specific instruction.
Worked Example
A paper for Review of Educational Research should follow that journal’s current instructions rather than a generic AERA handout: use its stated APA 7 base and then apply the journal’s own manuscript limits and review requirements.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Submission Guidelines: Review of Educational Research (opens in a new tab)Review of Educational Research / Sage · Current AERA-journal guidance explicitly states that RER and AERA journals use APA style, currently the 7th edition, while retaining journal-specific manuscript requirements.
- Standards for Reporting on Empirical Social Science Research in AERA Publications (opens in a new tab)American Educational Research Association · AERA reporting standards provide a distinct association-level research-reporting boundary for AERA publications.