Psychological Review – Psychology Journal Guide for Researchers

Why Researchers Choose Psychological Review for High-Impact Publications

Psychological Review stands as a cornerstone in the field of psychology, offering a platform for groundbreaking theoretical advancements since its inception in 1894. Published by the American Psychological Association, this journal focuses on integrative reviews and theoretical articles that synthesize empirical findings to propose new models and frameworks. With a rigorous peer-review process, Psychological Review ensures that only the most innovative and influential work sees publication, making it a preferred choice for researchers aiming to shape the future of psychological science.

The journal's scope encompasses a broad yet specialized range of topics, including cognitive processes, learning theories, motivation, and social cognition. Its high impact factor of 7.4 (2022 Clarivate Analytics) reflects its enduring influence, with articles frequently cited across disciplines. For PhD candidates and early-career researchers, publishing in Psychological Review can significantly boost academic profiles, opening doors to fellowships and faculty positions. The journal's commitment to open science practices, such as data sharing and preregistration, aligns with modern research standards, enhancing reproducibility and credibility.

Researchers value Psychological Review for its emphasis on theoretical innovation over mere empirical reporting. Articles often challenge existing paradigms, fostering debates that advance the field. The publication model is hybrid, allowing authors to choose traditional subscription access or open access with an article processing charge. Submission is streamlined through the APA's online portal, where manuscripts undergo initial screening followed by expert review. Success here requires clear articulation of theoretical contributions and robust integration of prior literature.

As psychology evolves with interdisciplinary overlaps into neuroscience and artificial intelligence, Psychological Review remains at the forefront, publishing work that bridges these areas. For those pursuing PhD fellowships, familiarity with such journals is crucial for grant applications and thesis development. Explore opportunities in PhD fellowships in psychology to complement your research ambitions. Whether you're refining a manuscript or seeking inspiration, this guide equips you with essential insights to engage with Psychological Review effectively.

Overview & History

Established in 1894 by the American Psychological Association, Psychological Review was created to promote theoretical discussions in psychology during its formative years. Initially edited by prominent figures like James Mark Baldwin, it quickly became a venue for foundational theories, such as those on behaviorism and psychoanalysis. Over the decades, the journal adapted to psychological subfields' growth, incorporating cognitive revolution influences in the mid-20th century.

Today, Psychological Review publishes about 30-40 articles annually, maintaining a selective process that prioritizes depth over volume. Its evolution mirrors psychology's shift from introspection to empirical rigor, now emphasizing computational modeling and meta-analyses. This historical continuity underscores its role as a timeless resource for theoretical synthesis.

Scope and Disciplines Covered

Psychological Review targets theoretical articles that advance understanding of psychological phenomena through integrative reviews, model proposals, and critical analyses. It welcomes submissions on topics like perception, memory, emotion, and decision-making, provided they offer novel theoretical insights.

Interdisciplinary approaches, such as psychology with economics or AI, are encouraged if theoretically grounded.

Key Journal Metrics

These metrics highlight Psychological Review's influence, with steady growth in citations over the past decade.

Indexing and Abstracting

Psychological Review is indexed in major databases, ensuring global visibility. Key services include PsycINFO (APA's proprietary database), Scopus, Web of Science (Social Sciences Citation Index), PubMed (for relevant articles), and Google Scholar. This broad coverage facilitates discoverability for researchers worldwide. Abstracts are available via these platforms, with full texts accessible through institutional subscriptions or pay-per-view.

For open access articles, indexing extends to DOAJ where applicable, though as a hybrid journal, not all content qualifies. Authors benefit from DOIs for persistent linking.

Publication Model and Fees

Psychological Review operates a hybrid model: subscription-based for standard access, with an open access option via APA's PsycOpen. There is no mandatory article processing charge (APC) for traditional publication. For open access, the APC is $3,000, covering production and dissemination. Page charges may apply at $150 per page for non-members, waivable for APA members or under hardship.

Color figures are free in online versions. The journal supports gold open access, aligning with funder mandates like Plan S. No hybrid fees for subscription articles, promoting accessibility without compromising quality.

Submission Process and Guidelines

Submissions are handled exclusively through the APA's Editorial Manager portal at the official journal site. Manuscripts must be original, unpublished, and formatted per APA style (7th edition). Theoretical articles should not exceed 50 pages, including references.

The process involves: 1) Online upload with cover letter outlining theoretical novelty; 2) Double-anonymized peer review by 3-5 experts; 3) Editorial decision within 3-6 months. Revisions are common, emphasizing clarity and empirical grounding. Guidelines stress inclusive language and ethical standards, including ORCID iD registration.

Editorial Board Highlights

The editorial team, led by Editor-in-Chief Yang Jiang (University of Kentucky), comprises experts from top institutions like Harvard and Stanford. Associate Editors specialize in subfields: e.g., cognitive modeling (MIT) and social theory (Yale). This diverse board ensures balanced, high-caliber reviews. Board members are elected for 4-year terms, bringing fresh perspectives while upholding rigorous standards.

Consult the publisher's editorial page for full bios.

Why Publish in Psychological Review?

Publishing in Psychological Review elevates a researcher's career, given its prestige and citation potential. Theoretical contributions here often become seminal, influencing textbooks and grants. For PhD holders, it signals expertise, aiding psychology faculty job searches. The journal's APA affiliation provides networking via conferences and awards.

Visibility is amplified through APA's promotion, including social media and newsletters. Long-term archiving via Portico ensures permanence. Compared to empirical journals, Psychological Review offers a space for big-picture ideas, ideal for mid-career syntheses.

Comparison with Similar Journals

Psychological Review excels in pure theory, distinguishing it from broader review outlets like Psychological Bulletin.

Researcher Tips for Successful Submission

To succeed, clearly define your theoretical contribution early, using formal models or simulations where possible. Integrate recent empirical data to support claims, avoiding over-reliance on speculation. Seek feedback from colleagues before submission. Tailor abstracts to highlight innovation, and adhere strictly to word limits.

Track common pitfalls: insufficient novelty or weak literature integration. Use tools like Rate My Professor for mentor insights. Time submissions around academic calendars to align with funding cycles. Persistence pays off—many seminal papers underwent multiple revisions.

Ready to advance your work? Check PhD programs in psychology for training that prepares you for such outlets.