This cluster tells the story of the three big ABA journals and why they were started. It shows how JABA, JEAB, and AJIDD welcome certain kinds of studies and what they want authors to do. A BCBA can learn where to send their work and how each journal helps the field grow. Knowing the journals’ goals helps practitioners pick the right place to share new ideas.
Common questions from BCBAs and RBTs
JABA focuses on applied behavior analysis with socially significant outcomes. JEAB publishes experimental basic research on behavior. AJIDD is an interdisciplinary journal covering intellectual and developmental disabilities broadly.
Most journals accept reviewer applications or invitations. Establish expertise in a topic area, read the reviewer guidelines for your target journal, and reach out to an editor. Reviewer mentoring programs are also available at some journals.
Research says editors prioritize topic expertise, careful evaluation of study design and data interpretation, a constructive and respectful tone, and relevance to the journal's audience. Copyediting is a lower priority.
Editorial decisions shape what research gets published and cited. Boards that lack geographic and demographic diversity may systematically under-publish work from underrepresented communities and regions.
Have them read with the journal's mission in mind, practice structured critique using a consistent framework, and compare how the same topic is covered in different venues. This builds the kind of critical reading that translates into better practice decisions.