Journal of Pediatric Psychology Statement of Purpose—Section on Methodology

Abstract

study pediatric populations? Are we doing something wrong? Can you help us do it right? If so, you may be able to make an important methodological contribution to this new section of the Journal. More generally, we seek to publish innovative papers focused on any of the following aspects of the research endeavor: the design of research studies, participant sampling methods, measurement and procedural issues, data reduction and data management techniques, data analytic strategies, issues pertaining to data interpretation, and training issues related to research methodology (including issues relevant to grant writing and publishing). We encourage authors to take risks in submitting these papers. Invited commentaries and author rebuttals will be employed to promote discussion of controversial methodological issues. In the special issue on methodology of Noll (2002) in JPP, he included papers on three basic topics: design and methodological issues, novel approaches to research, and contemporary statistical issues. As illustrated in the sections below, we seek papers in areas similar to these: (a) papers that explore new methods or methods that are new to pediatric psychologists, (b) papers that examine new or existing constructs from a novel perspective and in a manner useful for pediatric psychologists, and (c) innovative applications of statistical strategies. In addition to papers that introduce innovative and creative methods to our readership, we also welcome papers that represent critiques of methods and strategies currently in use in the field of pediatric psychology. Finally, papers may be submitted that pose a methodological or statistical ‘‘question’’ that will be of general interest to researchers in the field of pediatric psychology. With respect to the latter, the editor will recruit suitable authors to provide answers to the questions posed.