Scope and Focus

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. We prioritize manuscripts with clear innovation, strong methodology, and meaningful impact for behavior analysis, speech language therapy, and communication sciences.

We welcome work on verbal operants such as mands, tacts, echoics, and intraverbals; functional communication training; augmentative and alternative communication; speech language interventions; autism and developmental disability research; and translational studies that connect behavioral science with clinical practice. We also welcome systematic reviews, replication studies, and translational research that bridges clinical practice and behavioral theory.

Submission Essentials

Include ethics approvals, conflict disclosures, and data availability statements where applicable. Clear reporting improves review efficiency and supports implementation.

Special Collections

We publish thematic issues on communication interventions, AAC innovation, and behavior analytic assessment. Submissions aligned with these themes receive focused editorial attention.

Submission Timeline

Complete files and clear statements help manuscripts move quickly through screening and peer review. Authors who respond promptly to revisions typically see faster decisions and publication.

Quality Signals

Strong submissions present clear operational definitions, reliable data, and functional analysis where relevant. Transparent reporting improves reviewer confidence and reproducibility.

Audience and Impact

JVB reaches behavior analysts, speech language pathologists, educators, and clinicians. Open access publishing ensures your findings are visible to both researchers and practitioners.

Editorial Support

Our editorial team checks submissions for completeness, ethics statements, and data availability before review. This prevents delays and helps reviewers focus on scientific quality.

Research Readiness

Include intervention fidelity data, treatment integrity checks, and clear measurement procedures. These details strengthen review outcomes and improve practical relevance.

Data Transparency

Provide clear data availability statements and links to repositories for datasets, assessment tools, or code. Transparency improves trust and encourages replication.

Cover Letter Tips

Include a concise cover letter highlighting novelty, population, and intervention outcomes. Suggested reviewers can improve matching and reduce delays.

Ethics and Compliance

Confirm IRB approval and consent procedures when applicable. Describe assent and caregiver consent practices for studies involving children or vulnerable populations.

Intervention Reporting

Describe intervention components, dosage, and fidelity checks. Clear reporting helps clinicians interpret outcomes and apply evidence in practice settings.

Measurement Detail

Include operational definitions, interobserver agreement, and treatment integrity data where relevant. These details strengthen methodological rigor.

Replication Value

Replication and extension studies are welcome when they add new populations, contexts, or intervention variables. Clear replication supports evidence based practice.

Practice Relevance

Manuscripts that connect behavioral theory to practical outcomes tend to attract strong engagement. Highlight how findings can inform instruction, therapy, or assessment.

Global Reach

Open access distribution supports collaboration across regions and disciplines. We encourage submissions that address diverse populations and inclusive practices.

Reviewer Alignment

Suggested reviewers with expertise in verbal operants or communication intervention can help match manuscripts to appropriate reviewers and improve decision timelines.

Data Visualization

Clear graphs and tables improve interpretability for practitioners. Use consistent labeling, include units, and explain abbreviations in captions.

Applied Impact

Studies that report generalization, maintenance, or social validity outcomes tend to resonate with clinical and educational audiences.

Reporting Standards

Include interobserver agreement and treatment integrity where applicable. These indicators help reviewers evaluate measurement reliability and intervention fidelity.

Community Impact

We welcome manuscripts that address real world implementation in schools, clinics, and community settings. Describe barriers and facilitators to adoption when relevant.

Interdisciplinary Research

Studies that connect behavior analysis with linguistics, education, or psychology are encouraged. Highlight how cross discipline collaboration improves outcomes and understanding.

Submission Readiness

Before submitting, confirm that figures meet resolution standards, tables are editable, and supplementary files are clearly labeled. Complete submissions move faster through screening and review. A brief cover letter that lists study population, setting, and key outcomes helps editors assess scope fit quickly. Add suggested keywords for indexing and visibility across search platforms and directories for improved discoverability in academic channels today.