Aims and scope
Multivariate Behavioral Research is the flagship journal of the Society of Multivariate Experimental Psychology (SMEP). It is a journal devoted to the dissemination, evaluation, and application of quantitative methods to the behavioral sciences. It aims to publish articles intended to cater to a wide audience of quantitative methodologists and substantive researchers who wish to use advanced methods in their work. Its goal is to have a long-term transformative effect on research in psychology and the behavioral sciences.
Areas of Coverage
Arts & Humanities
MBR encourages submissions that demonstrate the integration of advanced quantitative methods into the study of human behavior, culture, and creativity. Applications that bring statistical rigor to research in fields such as linguistics, philosophy of mind, education, and other humanistic disciplines are welcomed, provided they contribute to methodological innovation and enhance the interpretive depth of behavioral research.
Experimental & Cognitive Psychology
A central focus of MBR is on methodological advancements that inform the design, analysis, and interpretation of experimental and cognitive research. The journal publishes studies that employ multivariate, longitudinal, or structural modeling approaches to unravel complex psychological processes such as perception, memory, learning, decision-making, and human development.
Medicine
Recognizing the increasing convergence between psychology and health sciences, MBR publishes work that applies quantitative models to medical and health-related behavioral data. Submissions may address topics such as patient-reported outcomes, clinical trials, mental health assessment, and neuropsychological research, particularly where advanced statistical methods provide deeper insights into health-related behaviors and interventions.
Statistics & Probability
MBR is devoted to the advancement of statistical theory and probabilistic modeling as applied to the behavioral sciences. Articles that introduce new statistical frameworks, refine existing methodologies, or explore computational techniques are of particular interest. Contributions that enhance the robustness, reliability, and replicability of behavioral research through innovative quantitative approaches form a core part of the journal’s mission.
As we aim to expand the scope of the journal, prospective authors are encouraged to contact the Editor-in-Chief ahead of submission for feedback about the journal’s interest in a particular topic that may seem outside the scope of the journal. Similarly, authors interested in submitting a quantitative application or a software contribution may wish to contact the respective Section Editor ahead of their submission for feedback.
The field of quantitative methods in the behavioral sciences is thriving with new and exciting developments and opportunities, and the editorial team of Multivariate Behavioral Research is excited to actively contributing to its development.