Journal of Experimental Psychology: General – Psychology Journal Guide for Researchers

Why Researchers Choose Journal of Experimental Psychology: General for High-Impact Publications

The Journal of Experimental Psychology: General stands as a cornerstone in the field of psychology, renowned for publishing innovative research that advances our understanding of fundamental psychological processes. Established as part of the American Psychological Association's prestigious portfolio, this journal has been a go-to venue for experimental psychologists since its inception in 1970. It emphasizes rigorous, empirical studies that transcend specific subfields, focusing on broad theoretical implications across cognition, learning, memory, sensation, perception, motivation, and social processes.

Researchers are drawn to the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General for its commitment to high standards of scientific inquiry. With an impact factor of 5.6 as reported in the 2023 Clarivate Journal Citation Reports, it ranks among the top tier of psychology journals, ensuring that published work garners significant attention and citations. The journal's scope is intentionally broad, welcoming manuscripts that integrate diverse methodologies—from behavioral experiments to computational modeling—provided they offer novel insights into general psychological principles.

Publishing here not only enhances a researcher's academic profile but also contributes to the global discourse in psychology. The editorial team, led by Editor-in-Chief Randall W. Engle, prioritizes clarity, replicability, and theoretical depth, making it a challenging yet rewarding outlet. For early-career scholars, appearing in this journal can accelerate career progression, opening doors to funding and collaborations.

In an era where interdisciplinary approaches are key, the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General bridges gaps between subdisciplines, fostering work that influences policy, education, and clinical practice. Its hybrid publication model allows authors to choose open access, amplifying visibility without compromising quality. As psychology evolves with new technologies like neuroimaging and AI, this journal remains at the forefront, publishing studies that shape future directions.

To explore opportunities in psychology research and connect with leading institutions, visit our psychology jobs section for the latest academic positions.

Overview & History

The Journal of Experimental Psychology: General was launched in 1970 by the American Psychological Association to provide a platform for research with wide-ranging implications beyond narrow subfields. It evolved from the broader Journal of Experimental Psychology series, which began in 1917, but General specifically targets integrative studies. Over the decades, it has published seminal works, including foundational papers on cognitive biases and memory models that continue to influence contemporary research.

Under APA's stewardship, the journal has maintained its reputation for excellence, adapting to changes in psychological science while upholding empirical rigor. Key milestones include its early adoption of diverse methodologies and its role in promoting open science practices, such as data sharing and preregistration.

Scope and Disciplines Covered

The journal covers a wide array of topics in experimental psychology, emphasizing general processes rather than applied or clinical focuses. Manuscripts should demonstrate theoretical significance and methodological soundness.

Key Journal Metrics

Indexing and Abstracting

The Journal of Experimental Psychology: General is indexed in major databases, ensuring global accessibility. It appears in PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. These indexations facilitate discoverability and citation tracking for authors.

• PsycINFO: Comprehensive psychology coverage.
• Scopus: Multidisciplinary abstracting.
• Web of Science: High-quality citation metrics.

Publication Model and Fees

As a hybrid journal, it offers subscription-based access with an open access option. The article processing charge (APC) for gold open access is $3,000, covering peer review and dissemination. No fees for traditional publication. APA provides waivers for authors from low-income countries.

Submission Process and Guidelines

Submissions are handled via the APA's online portal. Authors must adhere to APA style (7th edition), with a 10,000-word limit excluding references. Preregistration is encouraged. The process includes initial screening, peer review (typically 2-3 reviewers), and revisions. Detailed guidelines are available on the official journal homepage.

Editorial Board Highlights

The board comprises leading experts from top institutions. Editor-in-Chief Randall W. Engle (Georgia Tech) specializes in attention and working memory. Associate Editors include specialists in perception (e.g., from UC Berkeley) and social cognition (e.g., from Stanford). Their diverse expertise ensures balanced, high-quality reviews.

Why Publish in Journal of Experimental Psychology: General?

Publishing here elevates visibility due to APA's reach and the journal's prestige. It attracts interdisciplinary readers, boosting citations. For career advancement, inclusion signals excellence to hiring committees. Check Rate My Professor for insights from academics.

Comparison with Similar Journals

This journal excels in generalizability compared to more specialized outlets.

Researcher Tips for Successful Submission

Focus on novelty and broad appeal. Ensure robust statistics and replicability. Engage with recent literature. For psychology career planning, explore our academic calendar for deadlines. Other tips include collaborating internationally and using open data repositories.