Jump-start your research skills with Psi Chi Journal

For the past 28 years, editors of Psi Chi Journal of Psychological Researchopens in new window have sought to make the journal a safe and reputable place to publish empirical research in psychology. Perhaps less well-known, however, are the editorial team’s efforts to help students and experienced researchers alike to develop and fine-tune their research skills. Wherever you are in your research journey, check out these ways to improve throughout the different stages of the research process.

Data collection support

If you want to conduct a publishable research study, did you know that four important steps must be completed before data collection can begin? To help walk you through this process, see the journal’s special Guidance for Student Researchers (available at the bottom of this webpageopens in new window). Psi Chi Journal has also published the following editorials that will help you successfully prepare for and complete the data collection process:

Statistics support

Every few years, new expectations and tools for conducting research are born, thus creating additional hurdles that beginners must overcome in order to become involved in the ever-expanding world of research. Therefore, to make it easier for students to get involved, Psi Chi Journal has released several unique editorials that will help you understand the latest trends in psychology statistics. Consider reading:

Writing support

APA’s Academic Writer and other online resources provide countless hours of materials to help you write the latest edition of APA Style. The Psi Chi Journal editorials below seek to further streamline the writing process for you and point out some of the most common errors seen by our reviewers. Give them a read! As additional support, see the Psi Chi Journal Submissionsopens in new window page for a masked manuscript checklist, example cover letter, example cover page, and sponsor statement template; these are customized for this specific journal, but they could come in handy when publishing elsewhere too.

Conclusions and paths forward

Thank you for reading and best wishes as you conduct your next research study. If you are interested in continuing your research education with Psi Chi, consider submitting to Psi Chi Journal in order to experience our rigorous, but also educational, peer-review processopens in new window.

Submissions to Psi Chi Journal are open year-round, and original research in any area of psychology is welcome. Undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty can submit; only one or more authors of each manuscript (either the first author or a coauthor) is required to be a member of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology.
Last but not least, for anyone who doesn’t already know, Psi Chi is the world’s largest student psychological association, with more than 1,160 local chapters located at four-year colleges and universities in the United States and around the globe. Membership in Psi Chi offers global recognition for academic excellence, opportunities to lead and develop friendships at a local chapter, and benefits such as access to Psi Chi’s awards and grants, publications, Career Center, Request a Mentor program, and more. Learn about eligibility to join Psi Chi and how to start a new chapter today.

About the author

In 2013, Bradley Cannon joined the Psi Chi Headquarters in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Originally an intern, he is now Psi Chi’s Assistant Director of Communications and the Managing Editor of Psi Chi Journal of Psychological Research. Bradley received a bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons.