Aims & Scope
Core Research Domains
Verbal Behavior Theory & Mechanisms
- Verbal operant classification and functional analysis
- Stimulus control in verbal behavior
- Equivalence relations and derived relational responding
- Intraverbal behavior and response chains
- Tact and mand repertoire development
- Behavioral models of verbal processes
Language Acquisition & Development
- First and second language acquisition mechanisms
- Developmental trajectories in typical populations
- Language milestones and measurement
- Bilingual and multilingual language development
- Phonological and morphological acquisition
- Syntax and semantic development
Cognitive Processes in Verbal Behavior
- Memory systems and verbal recall
- Recognition memory and false memory phenomena
- Working memory in language processing
- Attention and inhibitory control in verbal tasks
- Problem-solving and verbal mediation
- Retrieval practice and learning effects
Speech Production & Perception
- Speech production mechanisms and motor control
- Auditory perception and speech comprehension
- Word recognition processes
- Eye movement patterns during reading
- Predictability effects in language processing
- Psycholinguistic models of speech
Secondary Focus Areas
Applied Behavior Analysis & Verbal Behavior
Research applying behavioral principles to verbal behavior assessment and skill acquisition in educational and research settings. Studies must include experimental design and quantitative measurement of behavioral outcomes.
Developmental Disabilities & Atypical Populations
Empirical investigations of verbal behavior and language development in autism spectrum disorder and other developmental conditions. Focus on behavioral mechanisms and cognitive processes, not clinical treatment outcomes.
Measurement & Methodology
Development and validation of assessment tools for verbal behavior and language skills. Psychometric studies, reliability analyses, and methodological innovations in behavioral measurement.
Cross-Linguistic Research
Comparative studies of verbal behavior and language processes across different languages. Research on language-specific phenomena and universal mechanisms in verbal behavior.
Social Communication & Pragmatics
Behavioral analysis of social verbal behavior, audience control, and pragmatic language use. Experimental studies of verbal interaction patterns and social contingencies.
Reading & Literacy
Behavioral and cognitive research on reading acquisition, comprehension processes, and literacy development. Studies on textual behavior and reading instruction methods.
Article Types & Editorial Priorities
Expedited Review
- Original Research Articles
- Systematic Reviews
- Meta-Analyses
- Methods & Measurement
- Replication Studies
Regular Review
- Short Communications
- Data Notes
- Methodological Notes
- Brief Reports
Rarely Considered
- Perspectives (by invitation)
- Commentaries (by invitation)
- Book Reviews
Editorial Standards & Requirements
Reporting Guidelines
- CONSORT for randomized controlled trials
- STROBE for observational studies
- PRISMA for systematic reviews
- ARRIVE for animal research
- APA Style for behavioral research
Data & Transparency
- Open data sharing encouraged
- Materials and protocols available upon request
- Pre-registration of studies welcomed
- Replication studies prioritized
- Statistical analysis code sharing supported
Ethics & Integrity
- IRB/Ethics committee approval required
- Informed consent documentation
- Animal welfare compliance (IACUC)
- Conflict of interest disclosure
- Adherence to publication ethics (COPE)
Preprint & Prior Publication
- Preprints on recognized servers accepted
- Conference abstracts do not preclude submission
- Thesis chapters eligible if not published
- Duplicate submission prohibited
- Prior publication must be disclosed
Decision Metrics & Timeline
Ready to Submit?
If your research advances understanding of verbal behavior mechanisms through empirical investigation, we invite your submission. For scope inquiries or pre-submission questions, contact our editorial team.
