Psychological Science in the Public Interest

Scope & Guideline

Empowering informed policy with psychological science.

Introduction

Welcome to the Psychological Science in the Public Interest information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of Psychological Science in the Public Interest, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1529-1006
PublisherSAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2000 to 2024
AbbreviationPSYCHOL SCI PUBL INT / Psychol. Sci. Public Interest
Frequency3 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address1 OLIVERS YARD, 55 CITY ROAD, LONDON EC1Y 1SP, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Psychological Science in the Public Interest' aims to bridge the gap between psychological research and practical application in societal contexts. It emphasizes the importance of addressing pressing social issues through rigorous scientific inquiry, focusing on the interplay between psychology and public policy.
  1. Focus on Social Issues:
    The journal addresses significant social challenges, such as substance use, stigma, gender bias, and juvenile justice, emphasizing the need for psychological insights to inform public interest solutions.
  2. Interdisciplinary Approach:
    It employs an interdisciplinary methodology, integrating perspectives from psychology, sociology, public health, and education to provide comprehensive insights into complex societal problems.
  3. Community and Policy Impact:
    The journal consistently seeks to influence community practices and public policies by disseminating research findings that can lead to actionable solutions in diverse fields.
  4. Emphasis on Stigma and Discrimination:
    A core area of focus is the stigma associated with various social issues, particularly substance use and gender bias, exploring the psychological underpinnings and potential interventions.
  5. Innovative Communication Strategies:
    The journal also highlights the importance of effective communication of psychological research, including visual data communication, to enhance public understanding and engagement.
The journal has notably adapted to emerging societal issues and evolving research landscapes. Recent publications reflect a growing emphasis on certain themes that resonate with contemporary challenges.
  1. Substance Use and Stigma:
    Recent articles have increasingly focused on the heterogeneous nature of substance use disorders and the stigma surrounding them, indicating a trend toward understanding and addressing these complex social issues.
  2. Youth Justice and Incarceration:
    A significant trend is the exploration of issues related to juvenile justice, particularly regarding the needs of incarcerated adolescents. This reflects a heightened awareness of the psychological impacts of the justice system on youth.
  3. Public Health and Implicit Bias:
    There is an emerging focus on framing implicit bias as a public health issue, highlighting its broader societal implications and the need for interventions that address discriminatory practices.
  4. Visual Data Communication:
    The growing emphasis on effective visual communication strategies represents an emerging theme, underscoring the importance of how psychological research is presented and understood by the public.

Declining or Waning

While the journal continues to address a wide range of impactful topics, certain themes appear to be experiencing a decline in focus. This shift may reflect changing societal priorities or a saturation of research in specific areas.
  1. Gender Bias in STEM Fields:
    Despite the historical significance of gender bias research, recent papers indicate a waning focus on this theme within the journal, with fewer new contributions addressing gender bias specifically in STEM compared to previous years.
  2. Chronic Pain Psychological Interventions:
    The discussion surrounding psychological treatments for chronic pain, once a prominent topic, seems to be declining, as fewer recent articles are dedicated to exploring new interventions or integrating these approaches into public health frameworks.
  3. Active Learning in K-12 Education:
    Research on active learning strategies has decreased in the journal, suggesting a possible shift away from educational psychology themes, with fewer studies exploring innovative educational practices.

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