Journal of Memory

Journal of Memory

Journal of Memory – Instructions For Author

Open Access & Peer-Reviewed

Submit Manuscript
AUTHOR INSTRUCTIONS

Instructions For Authors

The Journal of Memory (JM) publishes rigorous, open access research on memory across the lifespan and across clinical and basic science settings. These instructions help authors prepare clear, ethical, and reproducible manuscripts for efficient editorial screening and peer review.

OA
DOI
Fast
Peer
Global
JM
1

Article categories

Original Research

Empirical studies in cognitive neuroscience, psychology, or clinical memory with robust methods and transparent reporting.

Systematic Reviews

Evidence syntheses following PRISMA or equivalent standards and a clear methodology.

Short Communications

Concise reports of novel findings, pilot studies, or validation of memory tasks or instruments.

Methods And Protocols

Detailed protocols, behavioral tasks, or imaging pipelines that enable replication.

Clinical Reports

Translational work on assessment, rehabilitation, or interventions for memory disorders.

Perspectives

Expert commentary on emerging theories, tools, or challenges in memory research.

2

Manuscript structure

Organize manuscripts clearly so reviewers can assess the study design and results. Most research submissions should include the following sections.

Use consistent terminology and avoid ambiguous labels for tasks, conditions, or outcome variables.

  • Title: Specific, concise, and aligned with the main outcome.
  • Abstract: Structured summary of objectives, methods, results, and conclusions.
  • Keywords: Four to seven terms covering memory processes, methods, and populations.
  • Introduction: Context, rationale, and study objectives.
  • Methods: Design, participants, tasks, materials, and analytic approach.
  • Results: Clear presentation of findings with tables and figures.
  • Discussion: Interpretation, limitations, and implications for memory science.
  • Conclusion: Key takeaways linked to theory or practice.
3

Formatting guidance

Use clear headings, consistent terminology, and standard scientific units. Ensure all tables and figures are referenced in order and include descriptive captions.

  • Define all abbreviations at first use.
  • Describe stimuli, task instructions, and timing with enough detail for replication.
  • Report effect sizes and confidence intervals where relevant.
  • Use high resolution figures and include scales or legends for imaging outputs.
  • Provide protocol registration numbers if applicable.
4

Length and style expectations

JM does not impose strict word limits for most article types, but manuscripts should be concise and focused. Avoid unnecessary background and ensure the discussion interprets results rather than repeating them.

For systematic reviews, provide a detailed search strategy and selection flow. For short communications, focus on the primary result and limit supplementary materials to essential items.

5

Tables, figures, and supplementary files

Tables and figures should communicate key findings quickly and should not duplicate text content. Provide clear captions, define abbreviations, and include units for all measures.

  • Submit figures in high resolution formats and avoid excessive compression.
  • Label figure panels consistently and reference them in order.
  • Explain any image adjustments and provide raw data when required.
  • Supplementary files should be referenced clearly in the main text.
6

Statistical reporting

Provide enough detail for a qualified reader to understand the analysis. Include study design, primary outcomes, software used, model assumptions, and treatment of missing data.

For longitudinal or multi site studies, describe harmonization methods and include sensitivity analyses where appropriate.

Report how sample size was determined, any preregistered hypotheses, and corrections for multiple comparisons when applicable.

7

Ethics, consent, and approvals

All studies involving human participants or sensitive data require ethical approval. Provide the name of the approving committee, reference number, and statement of informed consent where applicable.

If consent cannot be obtained, explain the circumstances and provide documentation as required. For neuroimaging or neurostimulation studies, confirm that safety protocols were followed.

8

Reporting standards

JM encourages use of established reporting guidelines such as CONSORT, PRISMA, STROBE, and ARRIVE. Clear reporting improves reproducibility and accelerates peer review.

9

Data availability

Include a data availability statement describing where supporting data, code, or protocols can be accessed. If data cannot be shared due to privacy or legal constraints, explain the reason and provide a pathway for qualified access.

Data tip: Deposit datasets in reputable repositories and provide persistent links. Clear data statements increase reviewer confidence and support reuse.

9A

Data citation and repositories

Cite datasets in the reference list using the repository DOI or accession number. Data citations improve attribution and allow indexing services to link the article to underlying resources. When possible, choose repositories that provide long term preservation, access controls, and clear licensing.

9B

Code and software materials

For computational studies, provide code, scripts, or configuration files needed to reproduce results. Include software versions, dependencies, and operating system details when relevant. If code cannot be shared publicly, explain the limitation and indicate how reviewers can validate the analysis.

10

Authorship and contributions

All listed authors must meet authorship criteria, contribute substantially to the work, and approve the final manuscript. Include a contributor statement outlining roles such as study design, data collection, analysis, and writing.

11

Conflicts of interest and funding

Disclose all financial, institutional, or personal relationships that could influence the research. Provide funding sources and grant numbers where applicable. Transparency protects the integrity of memory science.

11A

Permissions and third party content

Authors are responsible for obtaining permissions to reuse figures, tables, or instruments that are not original. Provide documentation at submission and include proper attribution in captions or acknowledgments. Content without permission may be removed or returned for revision.

11B

Plagiarism and originality

All submissions undergo originality checks. Manuscripts with extensive overlap, uncredited reuse, or duplicate publication will be returned without review. Ensure that reused methods text is properly cited and that all sources are acknowledged.

JM values transparency. If a manuscript extends prior work, clearly describe what is new and how the study advances the evidence base.

12

References

Use a consistent referencing style and ensure citations are complete and accurate. Include DOI links where available and avoid excessive self citation.

12A

Preprints and prior dissemination

Preprints are permitted. Authors must disclose preprint postings and provide a DOI or URL at submission. The published article should clearly reflect any substantive updates such as additional data, revised analyses, or expanded discussion.

12B

Use of AI assisted tools

AI tools may be used for language refinement, but they must not replace author responsibility for accuracy, interpretation, or originality. Any AI assisted tools used in writing or analysis should be disclosed in the manuscript.

13

Submission checklist

  • Manuscript file in an editable format with line numbers if possible.
  • Cover letter describing study significance and fit for Journal of Memory.
  • Ethics approval details and informed consent statements.
  • Conflict of interest and funding disclosures.
  • Data availability statement and repository links.
  • Figures and tables uploaded as separate files if required.

Completing these items before submission shortens screening and helps reviewers focus on scientific quality.

14

Cover letter and reviewer suggestions

Use the cover letter to explain novelty, theoretical contribution, and alignment with the journal scope. Authors may suggest qualified reviewers free of conflicts of interest. The editorial team may or may not use suggested reviewers.

15

Peer review process

Journal of Memory uses a single blind peer review model. Reviewers are aware of author identities to evaluate context and related work, while reviewer identities remain confidential to authors. Editorial decisions are based on scientific merit, methodological soundness, and relevance to the journal scope.

15A

Appeals and complaints

Authors who believe a decision was made in error may submit a reasoned appeal. Appeals should address reviewer comments and provide clear scientific justification. The editorial office will review appeals carefully but does not guarantee reversal of decisions.

16

Revisions and resubmission

When revisions are requested, provide a point by point response to reviewer comments and clearly indicate changes in the manuscript. Timely responses reduce delays and improve publication timelines.

17

After acceptance

Accepted manuscripts enter production for copyediting, formatting, and proof review. Authors receive proofs for final checks and must confirm accuracy before publication. Article processing charges are communicated after acceptance and do not affect editorial decisions.

17A

Open access and licensing

JM publishes under open access licensing to maximize reach and reuse. Authors retain copyright and grant reuse rights with proper attribution. Licensing details are provided in the copyright and license policy.

17B

Language support

Authors who want language editing support prior to submission may request assistance from the editorial office. Language support does not influence editorial decisions and does not guarantee acceptance.

18

Submission options

JM offers two submission methods for author convenience. Both routes are reviewed by the same editorial team and provide the same editorial standards.

1

ManuscriptZone

Submit through our secure online system for tracking and updates.

2

Simple Submission

Use the streamlined form to upload files quickly.

3

Editorial Review

Editors confirm scope fit and assign reviewers.

4

Decision

Receive a clear decision letter with guidance.

Ready To Submit To JM?

Choose your preferred submission route. For questions, email info@openaccesspub.org.