Editorial Policy
Monographs
of the
Society for Research in Child Development

July 15, 2002

The Monographs series is devoted to publishing developmental research that generates authoritative new findings and uses these to foster fresh, better integrated, or more coherent perspectives on major developmental issues, problems, and controversies. The significance of the work in extending developmental theory and contributing definitive empirical information in support of the conceptual advance, is the most critical editorial consideration. Along with advancing knowledge on specialized topics, the series aims to enhance cross-fertilization among developmental disciplines and developmental sub fields. Therefore, clarity of the links between the specific issues under study and questions relating to general developmental processes is important. These links, as well as the manuscript as a whole, must be as clear to the general reader as to the specialist. The selection of manuscripts for editorial consideration, and the shaping of manuscripts through reviews-and-revisions, are processes dedicated to actualizing these ideals as closely as possible.

Typically Monographs entail programmatic large-scale investigations; sets of programmatic interlocking studies; or - in some cases --smaller studies with highly definitive and theoretically significant empirical findings. Multiauthored sets of independent studies that center on the same underlying question can also be appropriate; a critical requirement here is that all authors address common issues and that the contribution arising from the set as a whole be unique, substantial, and well integrated. In essence, irrespective of how it may be framed, any work that is judged to significantly extend developmental thinking will be taken under editorial consideration.

To be considered, submissions should meet the editorial goals of Monographs and should be no briefer than a minimum of 80 pages (including references and tables). There is an upper limit of 175-200 pages. In exceptional circumstances will this upper limit may be modified. (please submit four copies). Because a Monograph is inevitable lengthy and usually substantively complex, it is particularly important that the text be well organized and written in clear, precise, and literate English. Note, however, that authors from non-English speaking countries should not be put off by this stricture. In accordance with the general aims of SRCD, this series is actively interested in promoting international exchange of developmental research. Neither membership in the Society nor affiliation with the academic discipline of psychology are relevant in considering a Monographs submission.

The corresponding author for any manuscript must, in the submission letter, warrant: (a) That all coauthors are in agreement with the content of the manuscript.  The corresponding author also is responsible for informing all coauthors, in a timely manner, of manuscript submission, editorial decisions, reviews received, and any revisions recommended.  (b)  That the data of the manuscript are not currently under publication review by any other journal or publisher, and that they have not been published in any other form.  (c)  That the study has been conducted according to the ethical guidelines of the Society for Research in Child Development.  

Willis F. Overton, Editor
Temple University-Psychology
1701 North 13th St, Rm 567
Philadelphia, PA 19122-6085

Editorial Office
Margaret Berry, Editorial Assistant
Tel: +1 215 204-7360
Email: monosrcd@blue.temple.edu