Whether you’re preparing your first article or looking for a refresher, use this guide to help you answer the basics on authorship, editorial handling, and peer review.
Why should you publish in a peer-reviewed journal?
- Dissemination to the scientific community is critical to the success and validity of the scientific process.
- Peer evaluation and recognition are the basis for your career success.
- Publications are the gold in your CV.
What makes an excellent empirical paper? One that:
- Begins with a really good experiment.
- Shows originality and novelty.
- Reaches a solid and interesting conclusion backed by the data.
- Includes substantial information.
- Conveys a deep grasp of the literature and of concepts and theories.
- Is clear and logical throughout, with attention to detail.
- Has gone through multiple drafts and been read by all authors.
- Is sent to a journal that fits the research domain.
Choosing reviewers: Who should the author suggest — or not suggest?
The author should:
- Suggest people who are established experts in the field.
- Suggest only the number of reviewers requested and not more.
- Not suggest collaborators, colleagues, former mentors, or close friends.
Choosing reviewers: An editor may invite reviewers who:
- Have been suggested by the author.
- Are established experts in the field.
- Have a good review track record.
- Are editorial board members.
- Agree to review the paper.
Adapted from the presentation, “Overview: Authorship, Editorial Handling, and Peer Review,” by Elizabeth Adkins-Regan, PhD.
About the Contributor
Elizabeth Adkins-Regan, PhD, is a professor in Cornell University’s Departments of Psychology and Neurobiology and Behavior.
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