Before You Submit

Journal of Verbal Behavior (JVB) is a peer reviewed open access journal focused on verbal behavior analysis, language development, and behavior analytic communication research. We publish studies that advance assessment, intervention, and theory across typical and atypical populations. Manuscripts must be original, methodologically sound, and relevant to verbal behavior and communication science. Ensure clarity, reproducibility, and ethical compliance before submission.

Use concise scientific English with clear structure. Include all required statements to avoid delays during screening.

Submit the manuscript in editable format with separate figure files. Use consistent citation style and include DOIs where available. Tables must be editable and images should be high resolution.

Provide 4 to 6 keywords that match indexing terms used in behavior analysis and communication science.

Submissions undergo editorial screening for scope, ethics, and completeness. Manuscripts that pass screening are sent to expert reviewers. Editors evaluate feedback and issue decisions based on scientific merit.

After acceptance, manuscripts proceed to production for copyediting and proof review. Authors must respond promptly to maintain publication timelines.

Language and Clarity

Clear language improves reviewer focus. Consider professional editing before submission if needed.

Authorship and Contributions

All authors must meet authorship criteria and approve the final manuscript. Provide a contribution statement to clarify roles.

References and Citations

Ensure reference accuracy and include DOIs where possible. Cite primary sources and avoid unnecessary self citation.

Figures and Supplementary Data

Provide figure legends that define symbols and abbreviations. Supplementary files should include descriptive titles.

Reporting Guidelines

Use CONSORT for trials, STROBE for observational studies, PRISMA for systematic reviews, and ARRIVE for animal research.

Statistical Reporting

Describe statistical methods clearly and report effect sizes, confidence intervals, and exact p values where appropriate.

Data Sharing

Provide repository links for datasets and materials. If data are restricted, describe access conditions and rationale.

Preprints

Preprints are permitted when disclosed at submission and not under consideration elsewhere.

Revision Process

Provide a point by point response to reviewer comments and highlight changes in the manuscript.

Cover Letter and Title Page

Include a concise cover letter that summarizes novelty, population, and intervention relevance. The title page should list all authors, affiliations, and corresponding author contact details.

ORCID and Author Identifiers

Provide ORCID iDs for all authors when available. Consistent names and affiliations improve attribution and indexing accuracy.

Operational Definitions

Define target behaviors clearly and describe measurement procedures in detail. Operational definitions are essential for replication and clinical application.

Interobserver Agreement

Report IOA methods, calculations, and results. Provide sufficient detail for reviewers to evaluate measurement reliability.

Treatment Integrity

Include treatment integrity measures when interventions are evaluated. This supports confidence in outcome interpretations.

Social Validity

Report social validity measures when applicable to show the relevance of interventions for participants, families, and practitioners.

Ethics and Consent

Document consent procedures, assent where appropriate, and confidentiality protections for participants, especially in clinical studies.

Tables and Figures

Ensure tables are editable and figures are high resolution. Label axes clearly and explain abbreviations in captions.

Language and Terminology

Use consistent behavioral terminology and define specialized terms at first use. Consistency improves clarity for interdisciplinary readers.

Data Availability Statements

State where data are stored, include persistent identifiers, and describe access conditions. If data are not available, explain why.

Conflict of Interest

Disclose financial relationships, clinical affiliations, or consulting roles that may influence the study. Transparency protects trust.

Post Acceptance Proofs

Review proofs carefully for accuracy in data tables, author details, and figure placement. Respond promptly to avoid delays.

Single Case Design Reporting

For single case designs, report design type, phase change criteria, and visual analysis procedures. Include graphs that show level, trend, and variability.

Randomized and Group Designs

For group designs, describe randomization, allocation procedures, and blinding if applicable. Include baseline equivalence and attrition details.

Generalization and Maintenance

Report generalization probes and maintenance data when available. These outcomes improve the practical value of interventions.

Participant Characteristics

Provide clear demographic and clinical descriptions, including age, diagnosis, and relevant language profiles. This supports interpretation and replication.

Setting and Context

Describe the instructional or clinical setting, staffing, and materials used. Context helps readers apply findings in practice.

Intervention Fidelity

Report fidelity measures for intervention delivery. Include how fidelity was assessed and by whom.

Assessment Tools

Identify assessment instruments and provide citations or validation references. Specify scoring procedures and any adaptations.

Data Analysis Software

List software tools and version numbers used for analysis. For custom scripts, consider providing a repository link.

Ethical Considerations for AAC

For AAC studies, describe device access, training procedures, and consent for device or app use. Clarify data privacy safeguards.

Supplementary Materials

Upload lesson plans, intervention manuals, or data sheets when possible. Supplementary materials improve replication and practice adoption.

Negative or Null Findings

Report null results when they inform the field. Clear reporting of limitations and boundary conditions supports evidence based decisions.

Copyright and Permissions

Confirm that you have permission to reproduce copyrighted assessment tools or images. Include credit lines where required.

Preregistration

If the study is preregistered, include registration details and a link to the protocol. Note any deviations and provide rationale.

Data Privacy

For clinical or school based datasets, describe de identification procedures and secure storage methods. Protect participant confidentiality.

AI Assisted Tools

If AI tools were used for language editing or analysis, disclose the tool name and purpose. Authors remain responsible for accuracy and interpretation.

Materials Access

Provide access details for intervention materials, data sheets, or training protocols when possible. This supports replication and implementation.

Video or Audio Data

If audiovisual data are used, describe consent for recording and storage procedures. Indicate if files are shared or restricted.

Power and Sample Size

Explain sample size decisions, power analyses, or stopping rules where relevant. Transparency supports evaluation of evidence strength.

Glossary and Abbreviations

Define abbreviations at first use and avoid excessive jargon. A brief glossary can help interdisciplinary readers understand key concepts.

Study Limitations

Discuss limitations openly, including generalizability constraints or measurement limitations. Balanced discussion improves credibility.

Replication Materials

If possible, share sample protocols or data sheets. Replication materials support evidence based practice and further research.

Proof Corrections

Limit proof changes to factual corrections and formatting issues. Extensive changes can delay publication schedules.

Data Visualization Standards

Use clear labeling, consistent scales, and readable fonts in figures. Include error bars and sample sizes when appropriate.

Supplementary Video Clips

When behavioral interventions rely on demonstrations, short video clips can clarify procedures. Include consent documentation and anonymize participants.

Funder Compliance

List grant numbers and compliance requirements. If funders require open data or specific licenses, note this at submission.

Manuscript File Organization

Use clear file names for figures and supplementary materials. Organize files logically so editors and reviewers can evaluate your work without missing components. Provide a single compiled PDF for reference if possible. Include separate files for appendices and data sheets. Verify file formats match submission requirements and upload in order for review at submission time.