Update from Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy

Chris Aberson, Ph.D., Editor-in-Chief of Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy, Humboldt State University

As I reach the halfway point in my term as editor-in-chief of Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy, I want discuss some exciting changes to ASAP as well as highlight some existing (but underutilized) submission options.

In 2018, ASAP introduced Open Science Badges. Open Science Badges acknowledge authors that engage in transparent research process. Badges cover open data, open materials, and preregistration. Earning a badge is simple. For example, an author who posts their data to a public repository (I recommend the Open Science Framework for a free and easy-to-use resource; see http://osf.io) completes a simple one-page disclosure form indicating where to access their data. Badges are entirely optional but have proven very popular since implementation. I encourage interested authors to explore the benefits of transparency and openness that Open Science Badges reward. I am happy to discuss with authors how to share data and materials and whether such options are appropriate to your work.

Moving forward with additional open science initiatives, I plan to develop a Registered Reports option for submissions. Registered Reports emphasize the importance of the quality of methods and research questions by conducting peer review prior to data collection. Following a successful initial round of reviews, the work receives an in principal acceptance. At this point, data collection, analysis, and write-up occur. A second round of reviews occurs to verify the completed manuscript adheres to the approved protocols. Provided reasonable adherence, the article then receives formal acceptance for publication. Importantly, this process focuses on results-blind decision making—it does not matter if your predictions received support. Currently, over 200 journals offer this format. You can learn more about the RR format at https://cos.io/rr/. I am in the process of developing formal guidelines. I encourage interested authors to contact me to discuss options.

Have you had an article rejected from another journal that you think might be appropriate for ASAP? ASAP offers a streamlined review option for recently rejected articles. Authors submit previous reviews along with a revised manuscript and responses to the original reviewer comments. Authors don’t have to address all aspect of the previous reviews; however, reviews generally provide considerable guidance for improving your article. For streamlined reviews, I often can issue an editorial decision quickly and sometimes without needing to consult additional reviewers. I continue to be impressed with the quality of manuscripts that come through as streamlined reviews but would very much like to see more authors choose this option.

This time next year we will be nearing the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election. Continuing a tradition that began with the 2004 election, ASAP will publish a special collection on the Social Psychology of the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election. Keep an eye out for that call for papers this Fall.

Contact: Cla18@humboldt.edu

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