Instructions to Authors
The Journal of Psychological Type publishes monthly articles in an electronic format on topics related to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® instrument and theories of psychological type as described by Carl Jung, Isabel Myers, and others. Articles on other related measures and theories of type are also welcome. Single research studies, integrative research reviews, theoretical papers, "action research," and descriptions of practical applications of type are welcome in all areas. All articles and data must be original, i.e., not published previously and not in press or under editorial review elsewhere. Permission is often given for articles or data originally appearing in the Journal of Psychological Type to be published subsequently elsewhere.
All articles must include an abstract. Research articles should generally include introduction, method, results, discussion, practical applications or implications for the practitioner (if there are any), conclusions, and references sections. Protracted literature reviews are usually unnecessary, but a cogent introduction that provides a rationale for the study and reviews directly relevant literature is desirable. Research articles should always include type tables of the subjects used. Theory and applications articles may have less prescribed formats, but the latter should show how the applications relate to and derive from type theory and should include as much objective, controlled evaluation as may be available. Applications articles are submitted to a separate review board. If your article is intended for this category, please state this specifically when you submit it.
A concise writing style is preferred. Articles converted verbatim from master's theses or doctoral dissertations are rarely acceptable. Authors should bear in mind that the Journal of Psychological Type is read by a broad cross section of professionals in a wide variety of fields, and that articles should remain comprehensible to as many readers as possible. Tables should be used sparingly and should be prepared with the physical format and limitations of the journal in mind. Graphics should be used only when necessary, and they may cause production delays. Authors may refer to more detailed analyses or materials available elsewhere, such as in theses or dissertations, or supplementary material available from the authors. When writing articles, authors may assume that readers are already familiar with the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator instrument and with the basic notions of type theory.
In submitting manuscripts, please observe the following guidelines. Send four double-spaced copies of the manuscript, one as it would be worded in the journal, and three with all identifying information (authors, affiliations, etc.) removed; the latter copies are used in our blind review process. Include a cover sheet or sheets with the names and affiliations of all authors and the name, address, and telephone number of the senior or submitting author. Please also submit the article electronically in Microsoft® Word files, and in addition submit the files on disk along with the hard copies. Tables may be submitted in Microsoft® Excel® files if preferred.
For each author, include biographical information such as degrees, awards, interests, major publications, etc.; an edited version will accompany the article if it is published. Also submit a short summary "blurb," normally no more than one sentence long, for use on the title page of the finished article; but please realize that this "blurb" may be heavily edited. (See current or archived articles for examples of "blurbs" and biographies.)
Prepare articles in the style of the American Psychological Association, with the addition of following guidelines specific to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator instrument. References must be submitted in APA style; all cited sources must appear in the references, and only sources specifically cited in the article may be listed in the references. If in doubt about APA style, consult a recent article and follow it exactly. Type tables should be submitted in our standard format; see a recent article for examples. Put the abstract on a separate page before the beginning of the text of the article. Put all tables and figures on separate pages at the end of the manuscript and be sure that all have been specifically referred to in the text. Tables and other separate elements of the article should be submitted in separate Word or Excel files. Do not staple manuscripts or use paper clips; do not use running headers or footers; and do not justify right margins. Avoid sexist language, but use correct grammar.
Authors may call the Editor and discuss their research or articles at any stage of development. Such contacts are best made by telephone or email, as this allows two-way communication and results in the most efficient use of time. The telephone number for JPT is (662) 325-7655. The email address is tomcarskadon@psychology.msstate.edu and is recommended for international queries. All articles are subject to review and to editorial revision. Articles are normally reviewed by two independent reviewers from our review board and by the executive editor and the editor. Only about 40 percent of articles submitted are accepted for publication. Efforts are made to have most articles reviewed within two months of their receipt. Articles should be submitted to: Dr. Thomas G. Carskadon, Editor, Journal of Psychological Type, Mississippi State University, Psychology Dept. Box 6161, Mississippi State, MS 39762.
