Journal of Neuropsychology (JNP)

Notes for Contributors

The Journal of Neuropsychology publishes theory-driven patient studies. The central brief is to learn more from patients with brain dysfunctions to gain a better understanding of brain-behaviour relationships and to help future patients. Important developments in neuropsychology will follow from a multidisciplinary approach embracing neighbouring fields such as developmental psychology, neurology, psychiatry, physiology, endocrinology, pharmacology and imaging science. The journal publishes group and case studies addressing fundamental issues concerning the cognitive architecture of the brain. In addition, the journal includes theory-driven studies regarding the epidemiology of specific deficits, new assessment tools, and the evaluation of treatment regimes.

The journal is committed to a fast and efficient turn-around of papers, aiming to complete reviewing in under 90 days. Submissions are processed via a web-based system and reviewers are required to complete their referee report within 28 days.

Papers will be evaluated by the Editorial Board and referees in terms of scientific merit, readability, and interest to a general readership.

1. Quality Control

The content, format, quality and ambition of the JNP as a major outlet for theory-driven neuropsychological studies is under constant review by the Consulting Editors:

• Kenneth M. Heilman (University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, USA)
• Donald T. Stuss (Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest, University of Toronto, Canada)
• Giuseppe Vallar (University of Milan-Bicocca, Italy)
• Elizabeth Warrington (National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK)
  

2. Circulation

The circulation of the Journal is worldwide. Papers are invited and encouraged from authors throughout the world.

3. Paper formats and length

Research papers are full-length reports of original scientific investigations. Papers should normally be no more than 6000 words excluding abstract (maximum 250 words) and references. Multiple citations for a single point are usually duplicative and authors are urged to cite the best reference. The Editor retains discretion to publish longer papers.

Theoretical or review articles are full-length reviews of, or opinion statements regarding, the literature in a specific scientific area. They need not be exhaustive but should give an interpretation of the state of research in a given field. They should normally be no more than 4000 words excluding abstract (maximum is 250 words) and references. The number of references should not exceed 40-45. Multiple citations for a single point are usually duplicative and authors are urged to cite the best reference. The Editor retains discretion to publish longer papers.

Brief communications are short reports of original research or case reports. They contain no more than 1500 words excluding abstract (maximum is 80 words), references, a total of up to three tables or figures, and no more than 10 references.

Fast-track papers are timely and relevant reports that, to the discretion of the Editor, are included in the issue following acceptance. Authors may ask that their submitted manuscripts are considered for fast-track.

Commentaries and rejoinders are short reactions to publications in JNP followed by an invited rejoinder from the original authors.

Special issues may be proposed to the Editor. The proposal should include a short description of the topic and a number of (possible) contributors. The same quality criteria apply as for other submissions.

4. Submission and reviewing

All manuscripts must be submitted via our online peer review system. The Journal operates a policy of anonymous peer review.

5. Manuscript requirements

• Contributions must be typed in double spacing with wide margins. All sheets must be numbered.
• Tables should be typed in double spacing, each on a separate page with a self-explanatory title. Tables should be comprehensible without reference to the text. They should be placed at the end of the manuscript with their approximate locations indicated in the text.
• Figures can be included at the end of the document or attached as separate files, carefully labelled in initial capital/lower case lettering with symbols in a form consistent with text use. Unnecessary background patterns, lines and shading should be avoided. Captions should be listed on a separate sheet. The resolution of digital images must be at least 300 dpi.
• All articles should be preceded by an Abstract (see point 3 for guidelines), giving a concise statement of the intention, results or conclusions of the article.
• For reference citations, please use APA style. Particular care should be taken to ensure that references are accurate and complete. Give all journal titles in full.
• SI units must be used for all measurements, rounded off to practical values if appropriate, with the imperial equivalent in parentheses.
• In normal circumstances, effect size should be incorporated.
• Authors are requested to avoid the use of sexist language.
• Authors are responsible for acquiring written permission to publish lengthy quotations, illustrations, etc. for which they do not own copyright.
  

For guidelines on editorial style, please consult the APA Publication Manual published by the American Psychological Association.

6. Publication ethics

All submissions should follow the ethical submission guidelines outlined the the documents below:

Ethical Publishing Principles – A Guideline for Authors

Code of Ethics and Conduct (2006)

7. Supplementary data

Supplementary data too extensive for publication may be deposited with the British Library Document Supply Centre. Such material includes numerical data, computer programs, fuller details of case studies and experimental techniques. The material should be submitted to the Editor together with the article, for simultaneous refereeing.

8. Copyright

On acceptance of a paper submitted to a journal, authors will be requested to sign an appropriate assignment of copyright form. To find out more, please see our Copyright Information for Authors.