From Dissertation to Journal Article: A Step-by-Step Guide for Psychology Researchers
As a post-doctoral researcher or early career academic in psychology, one of your primary goals is likely to publish your dissertation research in peer-reviewed journals. This process can seem daunting, but with the right approach, you can successfully transform your dissertation into one or more publishable articles. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this step in your academic journey.
1. Identify Publishable Sections
Not every part of your dissertation will be suitable for journal publication. Start by:
Reviewing your dissertation chapters and identifying those with the most novel findings or methodologies
Considering which sections align best with current trends in psychological research
Determining if certain chapters can be combined or split to create cohesive journal articles
2. Choose the Right Journal
Selecting an appropriate journal is the most important step for successful publication. Consider:
The journal's scope and whether it aligns with your research topic
Impact factor and readership (balancing prestige with the likelihood of acceptance)
Publication frequency and turnaround times
Open access options and associated costs
👩🏻🏫Pro tip: Review recent issues of potential journals to gauge the type of articles they publish.
3. Adapt Your Writing Style
Dissertation and journal writing styles differ significantly. To adapt:
Streamline your literature review, focusing on the most relevant studies
Tighten your methodology section, including only essential details
Present results concisely, emphasizing key findings
Craft a focused discussion that clearly states the implications of your research
Journals have strict word limits. Be prepared to cut your content significantly, aiming for 6000 words or less.
4. Reframe Your Introduction
Your journal article introduction should:
Clearly state the research problem and its significance
Provide a brief overview of relevant literature
Present your research questions or hypotheses
Outline the structure of your article
Aim to capture the reader's interest and establish the importance of your study within the first few paragraphs.
5. Refine Your Methodology
When adapting your methodology section:
Focus on the essential elements of your research design
Clearly justify your methodological choices
Ensure all measures and procedures are described accurately but concisely
Include any additional analyses that weren't in your dissertation but are relevant to the journal article
6. Present Results Effectively
For your results section:
Prioritize findings that directly address your research questions
Use tables and figures judiciously to present complex data
Ensure all statistical analyses are reported according to APA guidelines
Consider breaking complex results into subsections for clarity
7. Craft a Compelling Discussion
Your discussion should:
Summarize key findings without merely repeating results
Interpret your findings in the context of existing literature
Address any limitations of your study
Suggest directions for future research
Emphasize the theoretical and practical implications of your work
8. Polish Your Abstract
Write a clear, concise abstract that:
Provides a brief overview of your research question, methodology, key findings, and implications
Adheres to the journal's word limit (typically 150-250 words)
Includes keywords that will help others find your article
9. Revise and Seek Feedback
Before submission:
Revise your article multiple times, focusing on clarity and concision
Ask colleagues or mentors to review your manuscript and provide feedback
Consider using JHMES's developmental editing services to refine your article
10. Prepare for Submission
Finally:
Carefully follow the journal's submission guidelines
Prepare a strong cover letter explaining why your article is a good fit for the journal
Be ready to suggest potential reviewers if the journal requires it
Transforming your dissertation into a journal article is an iterative process. It may take several rounds of revision before your manuscript is ready for submission. Stay patient and persistent – your valuable research deserves to be shared with the academic community.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to successfully publishing your dissertation research in a peer-reviewed journal. If you need additional support in this process, JHMES offers expert developmental editing and publication coaching services tailored specifically for psychology researchers like you.