Editorial PoliciesIntegrity and transparency
Rigorous, transparent editorial policies protect research integrity and author trust.
Editorial Independence
Editorial decisions are based on scientific merit, methodological quality, and relevance to verbal behavior research.
Core Policy Areas
Standards we uphold
Peer Review
Independent expert evaluation for quality and validity.
Ethics
Human and animal research must meet approved protocols.
Conflicts
Disclosures required for authors, editors, reviewers.
Integrity
Plagiarism screening and corrections protect trust.
Peer Review Workflow
How decisions are made
Screening
Scope and compliance check.
Reviewer Selection
Experts evaluate rigor and impact.
Decision
Editors synthesize feedback.
Post Publication
Corrections or updates issued when needed.
Corrections and Retractions
Maintaining the record
| Issue | Action | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Minor Error | Correction notice | Clarifies record. |
| Major Error | Expression of concern | Alerts readers. |
| Ethical Breach | Retraction | Protects integrity. |
Ethics First
Submissions that do not meet ethical requirements may be rejected before peer review.
Publish With Integrity
Submit to JVB and benefit from transparent editorial standards.
Submit via ManuscriptZoneSimple SubmissionAppeals and Complaints
Authors may appeal decisions with a reasoned response and supporting evidence. Complaints are reviewed with transparency.
Data Integrity
Editors may request original data to resolve concerns about data reliability. Authors are expected to cooperate.
Authorship Criteria
Authorship is limited to individuals who made substantial contributions to the work and approve the final version. Contribution statements clarify roles and accountability.
Originality and Plagiarism
Submissions must be original and not under consideration elsewhere. Similarity checks are used to identify overlap and ensure proper citation.
Conflict of Interest
All authors, editors, and reviewers must disclose conflicts that could influence decisions or interpretation. Transparent disclosure protects trust.
Data Transparency
Authors must provide data availability statements and disclose restrictions. Transparent data practices support reproducibility and reader confidence.
Reviewer Confidentiality
Reviewers must keep manuscripts confidential and avoid using unpublished data for personal research. Breaches of confidentiality may result in removal from the reviewer pool.
AI Tool Disclosure
If AI tools were used for language editing or analysis, authors must disclose tool names and usage. Authors remain responsible for accuracy.
Duplicate Submission
Manuscripts submitted to JVB must not be simultaneously submitted to other journals. Duplicate submissions undermine peer review and will be rejected.
Reviewer Conduct
Reviews should be objective, constructive, and respectful. Editors may remove reviewers who provide biased or inappropriate feedback.
Post Publication Dialogue
Readers may submit comments or requests for clarification. The journal may publish responses or corrections to maintain the integrity of the scholarly record.
Vulnerable Populations
Studies involving children or vulnerable groups must include heightened protections and assent procedures. Editors may request additional documentation to confirm ethical compliance.
Clinical Trial Registration
Clinical trials should be registered in a recognized registry prior to enrollment. Registration details must be included in the manuscript.
Image and Data Manipulation
Images and figures must accurately represent the data. Manipulation that alters interpretation is prohibited and may result in rejection or retraction.
Corrections Process
When errors are identified, the journal works with authors to issue corrections promptly. Timely updates maintain reader trust and record integrity.
Peer Review Accountability
Editors monitor review quality and timeliness. Consistent standards ensure fair treatment of authors and maintain journal credibility.
Reporting Guidelines
Authors should follow appropriate reporting standards such as CONSORT, STROBE, or PRISMA where applicable. Clear reporting improves transparency and supports replication.
Data Retention
Authors should retain raw data for a reasonable period after publication in case of queries or verification requests.
Funding Disclosure
All sources of financial support must be disclosed, including grant numbers. Funding transparency helps readers interpret potential influences.
Ethical Data Sharing
Data sharing must respect participant privacy and consent. Authors should anonymize datasets and describe any restrictions for access.
Policy Updates
Editorial policies are reviewed periodically to align with best practices in open science and publication ethics. Updates are communicated to authors and reviewers.
Misconduct Handling
Allegations of misconduct are reviewed in line with COPE guidance. The journal may request documentation, notify institutions, and issue corrections or retractions when necessary. Clear documentation and timely responses help protect all parties involved. The editorial office coordinates investigations with transparency and fairness consistently.
