Scope & Focus

From an early age, we are subject to psychological development. This takes many forms, from cognitive, emotional, and social, to areas of perception and intellect as well as personality development. While there are critical periods of life where substantial or key developments occur, change is constant. Developmental psychology is the study of how people grow and change psychologically over the course of their lifetime. It incorporates a range of theoretical areas and can focus on any period of this continuous change and development. Furthering our knowledge of developmental psychology is crucial to understanding a range of issues concerning how people grow and change. These include the role and importance of educational practices, to what extent nature or nurture contributes to our development, and how we can understand the causes and courses of psychological disorders.

Developmental psychology is itself a constantly evolving area of study in the psychological and cognitive sciences. As such, important emerging research requires a rapid avenue of publication. Much of the research being undertaken in this area takes the form of shorter articles such as case studies, policy briefs, and important datasets that may be utilized by other researchers to develop research further. The F1000Research publishing model is uniquely positioned to offer researchers in developmental psychology an avenue for quick and transparent, high-quality publication.

Developmental Psychology and Cognition welcome submissions on child and adolescent, as well as adult, psychological development. Contributions are welcome from a range of methodologies, including, among others: Experimental Work, Observations, Interviews, Online Assessments, Case Studies, Imaging, and Editorials. The scope of the Gateway includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:

• Attachment and emotion regulation
• Atypical development
• Child and adolescent mental health
• Communication and language development
• Family and peer relationships
• Moral and prosocial development
• New methodological approaches to research in developmental psychology
• Social-cognitive development
• The social, psychological, and neurobiological determinants of child development

The range of article types offered by F1000Research facilitates the dissemination of work as openly and quickly as possible through Case Studies, Data Notes, Method Articles, Study Protocols and Software Tools, as well as Research and Review Articles. Each publication will undergo fully transparent post-publication peer review following the F1000Research publication model.

If you are interested in contributing an article to the Gateway, would like to propose a themed collection in a subject related to the Gateway, or otherwise have any questions, please contact us via info@F1000.com.