Editor Spotlight

Tell us a bit about your background: What is your area of research? What is your most recent journal-editing experience?

I am a clinical scientist and associate professor at the University of Toronto, Canada.

My research brings together multiple methodologies, including neuroimaging, behavioral genetics, cognitive and affective experimental psychology, and clinical assessment. The main aim of my research is to advance scientific knowledge in the causes, course and outcome, and treatment of psychosis, mood, and addictive disorders.

I am a consulting editor for Neuropsychology and a review editor for Frontiers in Neuropsychiatric Imaging and Stimulation.

Briefly, what are your main priorities? For example, how will you grow readership, what type of scholarship would you like to see in the journal, and what kind of content are you hoping to attract?

I have two larger goals for my tenure as editor.

My first goal is to promote "excellence with equity"; therefore, I would like to help advance the professional trajectories of early career scholars and scholars from under-represented groups. For the field of psychology to flourish, a diversity of theoretical viewpoints and methodological approaches need to be expressed, which can be facilitated by inclusive publishing.

My second goal is to increase the visibility of the work published in the journal, as well as our authors. I think it is important that the scholarship published not only promote inquiry and theory, but also be accessible to a broad readership, including individuals outside of academia.

I would also like to encourage authors in all sub-disciplines of psychology across the globe to consider Canadian Psychology as an outlet for their best work. We publish both basic and applied work and aim to publish any scholarship that primarily appeals to a broad cross-section of psychologists and significantly advances the discipline.

Why is this journal important for the field? What is its relevance to society/public health? What are the hot issues in your area right now?

Canadian Psychology is the flagship journal of Canadian Psychological Association and an important part of the national and international psychology landscape. The journal publishes generalist articles in areas of theory, research, practice, education, and policy. First and foremost, the journal publishes literature reviews and meta-analyses relevant to theory or research in basic and applied areas.

What challenges, if any, lie ahead for the field?

The field of psychology is currently being reformed through discussions of the replicability crisis, questionable methodological and reporting practices, and open science. We think a journal such as ours, which publishes literature reviews and meta-analyses, will significantly add to the literature of "true" findings in psychology.

Do you have plans for a special issue or changes to the editorial process? Are you making any changes?

We have a special issue planned for November 2019 on training of graduate students in both basic and applied psychological science. We also are planning to do a special issue on the replicability crisis, questionable methodological and reporting practices, and open science.

I think it is important Canadian Psychology be represented in this fundamental discussion in our field.

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