An Author's Guide to Publishing Better Articles in Better Journals in the Behavioral Sciences

This text summarizes the current dissatisfaction expressed by many with the journal publication system. Concrete suggestions on how the situation can be improved are presented. Guidelines are offered on methods for selecting significant research problems with recommendations for meaningful statistical analyses. Empirical and quasi-empirical studies on the journal publication system are provided, which focus on the peer review process and on biases inherent in the determination of which manuscripts are selected for publication. Recommendations are offered as to how problems associated with these issues may be ameliorated. It contains more than 200 references and could well alter the way researchers view the journal publication process. It will also assist in improving the content and relevance of published articles, as well as the manner in which data in the behavioral sciences are examined.