Two Convenient Submission Methods

Choose the submission pathway that best fits your workflow. Both methods provide the same rigorous peer review process and expert editorial handling by behavioral science specialists.

Behavioral Science Article Types We Publish

We welcome diverse contributions to behavioral science research, from theoretical frameworks to empirical investigations. Each manuscript type undergoes rigorous peer review by experts in behavioral theory, measurement, and methodology.

Pre-Submission Checklist

Ensure your behavioral science manuscript is submission-ready by verifying these essential components. Complete submissions receive faster editorial screening and move more quickly to peer review.

Transparent Peer Review Timeline

We believe in transparency throughout the publication process. Here's exactly what happens after you submit your behavioral science research, with realistic timelines based on our actual performance data.

Submission Requirements for Behavioral Science Research

Manuscript Preparation

Your behavioral science manuscript should be prepared according to these specifications to ensure efficient processing and peer review:

• Format: Microsoft Word (.docx) or LaTeX, double-spaced throughout with 1-inch margins
• Structure: Title page, Abstract (250 words max), Keywords (5-8 terms), Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, References
• Line Numbers: Include continuous line numbering to facilitate reviewer comments
• References: APA 7th edition format for behavioral science citations
• Statistical Reporting: Report effect sizes, confidence intervals, and exact p-values following APA guidelines
• Measurement Details: Provide psychometric properties (reliability, validity) for all behavioral measures used

Figures and Tables

• Resolution: Minimum 300 DPI for all figures, TIFF or EPS format preferred
• Color: Use colorblind-friendly palettes for behavioral data visualizations
• Tables: Submit in editable format (Word or Excel), not as images
• Captions: Provide detailed figure captions and table notes explaining all abbreviations and statistical notations

Supplementary Materials

• Behavioral assessment instruments and questionnaires used in your research
• Detailed statistical analysis code (R, SPSS, Python, etc.)
• Additional data tables, extended methodology descriptions
• Video demonstrations of behavioral tasks or experimental procedures
• Supplementary analyses not included in main manuscript

Ethics and Transparency

• Human Subjects: IRB approval letter, informed consent procedures, participant protections
• Animal Research: Ethics committee approval, adherence to ARRIVE guidelines for behavioral studies
• Data Sharing: Statement on data availability, repository links (OSF, Dataverse, etc.), or justification for restrictions
• Pre-registration: If applicable, provide links to pre-registered protocols (OSF, AsPredicted, ClinicalTrials.gov)
• Funding: Disclose all funding sources and sponsor roles in study design, data collection, and analysis

What Happens After Submission?

Immediate Confirmation

Upon successful submission, you'll receive an automated email confirmation with your manuscript tracking number. This email includes links to check your submission status and contact information for editorial inquiries.

Editorial Screening (Days 1-3)

Our editorial team conducts initial screening to verify that your manuscript fits the journal's scope in behavioral science, meets formatting requirements, and demonstrates methodological rigor. Manuscripts are checked for plagiarism using iThenticate software. If your manuscript doesn't pass initial screening, you'll receive feedback explaining the decision and suggestions for improvement.

Peer Review Process (Days 4-21)

Manuscripts passing editorial screening are assigned to 2-3 expert reviewers with specialized knowledge in your research area. We carefully select reviewers who are active behavioral science researchers with expertise in your specific methodology, theoretical framework, and research domain. Reviewers evaluate:

• Theoretical contribution to behavioral science literature
• Methodological rigor and appropriateness of research design
• Validity and reliability of behavioral measures
• Statistical analysis quality and interpretation
• Clarity of writing and logical flow of arguments
• Significance of findings for understanding behavior

Editorial Decision (Days 22-28)

After receiving reviewer reports, the handling editor makes one of four decisions:

• Accept: Your manuscript is accepted for publication with minor copyediting only
• Minor Revisions: Small changes needed, typically addressing reviewer clarifications or additional analyses
• Major Revisions: Substantial revisions required, such as additional data collection, reanalysis, or significant restructuring
• Reject: Manuscript doesn't meet publication standards or fit journal scope, with detailed feedback provided

You'll receive the editorial decision letter along with detailed reviewer comments. For revision decisions, the letter includes specific guidance on addressing reviewer concerns and a deadline for resubmission (typically 60 days for major revisions, 30 days for minor revisions).

Revision and Resubmission

If revisions are requested, carefully address each reviewer comment in your revised manuscript. Submit a detailed point-by-point response letter explaining how you addressed each concern or why you chose not to make certain changes. Revised manuscripts undergo expedited re-review, typically within 14 days.

Acceptance and Production

Once your manuscript is accepted, it enters our production workflow. You'll receive copyedited proofs for review within 7-10 days. After you approve the final proofs, your article is published online and immediately accessible to the global behavioral science community through Open Access.