Aims & Scope
Journal of Memory publishes empirical research on the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying human memory systems, from encoding and consolidation to retrieval and forgetting, with emphasis on experimental rigor and theoretical advancement.
Episodic Memory
Working Memory
Memory Consolidation
False Memory
Autobiographical Memory
Neural Mechanisms
Research Scope
Tier 1: Core DomainsCognitive Memory Mechanisms
- Encoding processes and depth-of-processing effects
- Retrieval mechanisms, cue-dependent memory, and context effects
- Forgetting curves, interference theory, and decay models
- Working memory capacity, executive control, and updating
- Long-term memory consolidation and reconsolidation
- Semantic memory organization and conceptual knowledge
Typical Fit:
"Experimental investigation of retrieval-induced forgetting using the retrieval-practice paradigm in verbal learning tasks."
Episodic & Autobiographical Memory
- Episodic memory formation and temporal context binding
- Autobiographical memory across the lifespan
- Reminiscence bump and childhood amnesia phenomena
- Self-referential processing and memory enhancement
- Flashbulb memories and emotional event encoding
- Memory phenomenology and subjective experience
Typical Fit:
"Behavioral study examining the relationship between self-reference effect and subsequent recall accuracy in autobiographical memory tasks."
Memory Distortion & Accuracy
- False memory formation and DRM paradigm studies
- Source monitoring errors and reality monitoring
- Misinformation effect and post-event information integration
- Eyewitness testimony accuracy and confidence-accuracy relationship
- Memory conformity and social influences on recall
- Imagination inflation and memory implantation
Typical Fit:
"Experimental analysis of misinformation susceptibility using the modified recognition test in eyewitness memory paradigms."
Neural Basis of Memory
- Hippocampal function in episodic memory encoding and retrieval
- Prefrontal cortex contributions to working memory and control
- Synaptic plasticity mechanisms (LTP, LTD) underlying memory
- Neuroimaging studies (fMRI, EEG) of memory processes
- Neural oscillations and memory consolidation during sleep
- Pattern separation and pattern completion in memory systems
Typical Fit:
"fMRI investigation of hippocampal-prefrontal connectivity during successful versus unsuccessful episodic memory retrieval."
Tier 2: Secondary Focus Areas
Memory & Emotion
- Emotional enhancement of memory encoding
- Stress effects on memory consolidation and retrieval
- Mood-congruent memory phenomena
- Trauma effects on memory accuracy (research focus, not clinical)
Developmental Perspectives
- Memory development from childhood through adolescence
- Age-related changes in memory performance
- Cognitive aging and memory decline mechanisms
- Lifespan trajectories of different memory systems
Memory in Applied Contexts
- Educational applications of memory research
- Prospective memory in everyday life
- Memory strategies and mnemonic techniques
- Metamemory and memory monitoring accuracy
Methodological Innovations
- Novel experimental paradigms for memory assessment
- Computational modeling of memory processes
- Advanced statistical approaches to memory data
- Cross-cultural memory research methodologies
Language & Memory
- Verbal memory and language processing interactions
- Bilingualism effects on memory systems
- Narrative memory and discourse comprehension
- Phonological loop and verbal short-term memory
Social & Collective Memory
- Collaborative recall and transactive memory
- Social transmission of memories
- Cultural influences on memory processes
- Collective memory formation mechanisms
Tier 3: Emerging Areas
The following areas represent emerging frontiers in memory research. Submissions in these domains undergo additional editorial review to ensure alignment with the journal's empirical and theoretical standards.
Computational Memory Models
- Neural network models of memory systems
- Bayesian approaches to memory and decision-making
- AI-inspired cognitive architectures
- Machine learning applications to memory prediction
Memory Enhancement Research
- Cognitive training effects on memory performance
- Working memory training efficacy studies
- Non-invasive brain stimulation and memory
- Sleep optimization for memory consolidation
Individual Differences
- Genetic contributions to memory variability
- Personality correlates of memory performance
- Intelligence and memory capacity relationships
- Attention and memory interaction in ADHD research
Philosophical Perspectives
- Epistemology of memory and knowledge
- Memory reliability and justification
- Phenomenology of remembering
- Conceptual analysis of memory types
Article Types & Editorial Priorities
Priority 1: Fast-Track Review
Original Research Articles
Systematic Reviews
Meta-Analyses
Methods & Protocols
Registered Reports
Priority 2: Standard Review
Short Communications
Brief Reports
Data Notes
Theoretical Perspectives
Replication Studies
Rarely Considered
Opinion Pieces
Commentaries
Book Reviews
Note: These article types are only considered by invitation or for special issues. Unsolicited submissions in these categories are typically desk-rejected.
Editorial Standards & Requirements
Reporting Guidelines
- Experimental Studies: CONSORT or JARS-Quant guidelines
- Observational Research: STROBE checklist compliance
- Systematic Reviews: PRISMA statement adherence
- Animal Studies: ARRIVE guidelines (when applicable)
- Neuroimaging: COBIDAS reporting standards
Data & Materials Policy
- Open data strongly encouraged (OSF, Zenodo, institutional repositories)
- Analysis code sharing required for computational studies
- Materials availability statement mandatory
- Raw data deposition for neuroimaging studies
- Compliance with FAIR data principles
Ethics & Integrity
- IRB/Ethics committee approval required for human subjects research
- Informed consent documentation
- IACUC approval for animal research
- Conflict of interest disclosure mandatory
- Adherence to COPE guidelines on publication ethics
Preprint & Prior Publication
- Preprints on recognized servers (PsyArXiv, bioRxiv) permitted
- Conference abstracts do not preclude submission
- Preregistration (OSF, AsPredicted) strongly encouraged
- No prior publication in peer-reviewed journals
- Preprint DOI must be disclosed at submission
Editorial Decision Metrics
21
Days to First Decision
32%
Acceptance Rate
45
Days to Publication
Open
Access Model
Ready to Submit?
If your research advances our understanding of memory through rigorous empirical investigation, theoretical innovation, or methodological advancement, we invite your submission.
Contact Editorial Office
