An online Paper Authoring Tool (PAT) to improve reporting of, and synthesis of evidence from, trials in behavioral sciences.

The Science of Behavior Change project represents a major advance in the way we approach the study of behavior and behavior change; the protocols in this special issue reflect the innovative approach to intervention development. Digital technology is transforming the way we conduct science and can greatly assist with developing protocols, reporting studies, and evidence synthesis. The journal Addiction has developed an online Paper Authoring Tool (PAT) for reporting full-scale randomized controlled trials that could also be used for reporting protocols and early phase trials. PAT aims to help authors ensure that they include all the required information and present it in a way that is clear and consistent in terms of language and phrasing. It also generates a computer-readable record that should greatly facilitate automation of evidence synthesis. PAT is intended to represent the first step in creation of a supportive ecosystem for the conduct of science, linking grant applications, study protocols, study reports, measures, reviews and study data in a coordinated online knowledge base. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).