Bridging Disciplinary Boundaries (January 11 - 14, 2007)

Friday, January 12, 2007: 10:00 AM-11:45 AM
Pacific C (Hyatt Regency San Francisco)
Publishing Empirical Studies in Social Work: National and International Perspectives
Speakers/Presenters:Jeffrey M. Jenson, PhD, University of Denver
Michael R. Sosin, PhD, University of Chicago
Bruce A. Thyer, PhD, Florida State University
Rebecca L. Hegar, PhD, University of Texas at Arlington
Abstract Text:
Peer-reviewed journals are responsible for publishing much of the empirical research conducted by social work investigators. Journals provide a critical professional service by disseminating etiological and practice-relevant information related to a diverse set of substantive topics. Journal articles also offer readers a snapshot of the profession's empirical knowledge base. Accordingly, scholars who edit social work journals are challenged with the tasks of identifying and publishing relevant and rigorous studies that advance the breadth and depth of knowledge. This workshop includes a distinguished panel of four editors of eminent national and international generalist journals in social work (British Journal of Social Work; Social Work Research; Social Service Review; Research on Social Work Practice). The editors will describe their respective journals and offer submission guidelines and suggestions. They will also examine the role of peer-reviewed publications in the larger context of the profession's empirical knowledge base. Panelists will also address the conference theme of interdisciplinary work as it relates to publication in social work journals, highlighting national and international perspectives. Editors will discuss the following topics: 1) Targeting an appropriate journal for publication: The purposes, histories, and philosophies of the represented journals will be discussed. The type of manuscripts generally published by each journal represented on the panel will be identified. Distinguishing characteristics of the four journals discussed at the session will be highlighted. 2) Interdisciplinary and collaborative work: Panel members will discuss the actual and ideal role of interdisciplinary submissions in their journals. They will comment on strategies designed to increase the interdisciplinary contribution to the journals and to the field. 3) Publication priorities and special issues: Panel members will consider research topics that are of high priority to their respective journals. The panel will debate the role of special issues in advancing knowledge in particular areas. 4) National and international perspectives: Panelists will discuss the importance of generating submissions and publishing manuscripts that present global perspectives. 5) Journal submission and review processes: Submission and review processes used by journals will be described by panel members. Timelines, manuscript review procedures, communication between editors and authors, and decision making processes will be explained. Key differences in process will be noted. The panel will also discuss current efforts to enhance the quality of journal publications in social work. During a ninety-minute session, editors will first address each of the topics above in a prepared statement. They then will take audience questions and lead a discussion.

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