Original Research

Section Policy: Original Research

The Original Research section of the International Journal of Psychology and Therapy (IJPT) is dedicated to the publication of high-quality empirical studies that advance knowledge at the intersection of psychological science and technological innovation. In alignment with international scholarly standards and the expectations of indexing systems such as Scopus and the Web of Science, this section prioritises methodological rigour, originality, and theoretical contribution. Submissions must present novel findings derived from systematic investigation and should demonstrate clear relevance to the journal’s interdisciplinary scope.

Scope and Focus

This section welcomes original empirical studies employing quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-method approaches that explore psychological processes within technological contexts. Topics may include, but are not limited to, cyberpsychology, artificial intelligence and behaviour, digital well-being, human–computer interaction, virtual environments, technology-assisted interventions, and emerging behavioural trends in digital ecosystems. Studies should contribute to theoretical advancement, practical application, or policy development, and must reflect contemporary research issues with global relevance.

Manuscript Requirements

Manuscripts submitted under this section must follow a structured format in accordance with APA 7th edition guidelines. A typical submission should include: Title, Abstract (150–250 words), Keywords (4–6), Introduction, Methodology, Results, Discussion, Conclusion, and References. The methodology must be clearly described, including research design, sampling procedures, instruments, and data analysis techniques. Authors are expected to ensure clarity, coherence, and academic precision throughout the manuscript. Tables, figures, and supplementary materials should be appropriately labelled and integrated within the text.

Methodological and Ethical Standards

IJPT places strong emphasis on methodological transparency and ethical compliance. Studies must employ valid and reliable research instruments, appropriate statistical or analytical methods, and clearly justified research designs. For studies involving human participants or animals, authors must provide evidence of ethical approval from a recognised institutional review board and confirm that informed consent was obtained. Data integrity, reproducibility, and adherence to ethical research practices are mandatory requirements for publication.

Peer Review and Evaluation Criteria

All manuscripts submitted to the Original Research section undergo a double-blind peer review process. Each submission is evaluated by at least two independent reviewers with subject expertise. The evaluation is based on originality, methodological rigour, clarity of presentation, theoretical contribution, and relevance to the journal’s scope. Authors may be required to revise their manuscripts in response to reviewer feedback. The final decision is made by the Editor-in-Chief based on the reviewers’ recommendations and overall academic merit.

Data Transparency and Reporting

Authors are encouraged to follow open science practices by providing a clear Data Availability Statement and, where possible, sharing datasets, analytical code, and supplementary materials in recognised repositories. Transparent reporting enhances the reproducibility and credibility of research findings and aligns with global standards in scholarly publishing.

Publication Standards and Impact

The Original Research section aims to publish studies that demonstrate high academic impact, cross-disciplinary relevance, and potential for citation within the global research community. IJPT prioritises contributions that offer novel insights, address contemporary challenges, and contribute to cumulative knowledge building in psychology and technology.

Through this section, IJPT seeks to establish a credible platform for innovative empirical research, supporting the advancement of evidence-based understanding in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.