Types of periodicals Or: What is a chiropractic science journal?

What is Research?  the process of gathering, evaluating & interpreting information, usually to answer a question or solve a problem  2 types: Original and Bibliographic  Original Research aka Pure Research Produces new knowledgeProduces new knowledge Usually done by highly educated people in universities, government, & practiceUsually done by highly educated people in universities, government, & practice End result adds something new & unique to the storehouse of human knowledge (aka ‘the evidence base’)End result adds something new & unique to the storehouse of human knowledge (aka ‘the evidence base’)

Original Research  Conducted by one of two methods: Empirical method: collecting data & information through direct experience, observation or experimentationEmpirical method: collecting data & information through direct experience, observation or experimentation Oral method: gathering information by directly communicating with people.Oral method: gathering information by directly communicating with people.  Interviews, surveys, polls, questionnaires

Bibliographic Research  To analyze what others have written on a topic in order to reach your own interpretation or conclusion Gather information from published materials, recordings, &/or online sourcesGather information from published materials, recordings, &/or online sources

Publishing in chiropractic – “Getting the word out”  DD Palmer “The Chiropractor” longest-lived chiropractic periodical“The Chiropractor” longest-lived chiropractic periodical  Solon Massey Langworthy, DC Founder of American School of ChiropracticFounder of American School of Chiropractic Publisher of first book on chiropracticPublisher of first book on chiropractic  BJ Palmer Own print shop, books, pamphlets, periodicals & commercial radioOwn print shop, books, pamphlets, periodicals & commercial radio

No shortage of reading material for chiropractors…  Both national associations have journals dating back for decades  Current JACA began in 1933 as The Chiropractic Journal (not related to Rondberg’s)  Journals &/or newsletters published by state associations, chiropractic colleges, non-profit foundations, technique organizations, practice management companies, etc.

Editorial Autonomy  1930’s: Bulletin of the European Chiropractors’ Union  : American Chiropractic Journal  Others in 1960’s, 70’s & 80’s  1978: Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT) Established by NCCEstablished by NCC For critical review and publication of scholarly works in chiropracticFor critical review and publication of scholarly works in chiropractic Roy W. Hilderbrandt, DC – complete editorial controlRoy W. Hilderbrandt, DC – complete editorial control

Types of periodical articles  News article: a straightforward, objective account of a news event “Life University sues the CCE”“Life University sues the CCE”  Analysis: interpretation or explanation of a trend, event or controversy “Animal rights: an evolutionary perspective”“Animal rights: an evolutionary perspective”  Editorial: views and opinions on issues “A normal spinal position: It’s time to accept the evidence”“A normal spinal position: It’s time to accept the evidence”

Types of periodical articles  Literature review: overview of scholarly articles “Isometric back extension endurance tests: A review of the literature”“Isometric back extension endurance tests: A review of the literature”  Research article: a formal report describing original research. Experimental methodology, data, & conclusions fully discussed, usually in separate sections.Experimental methodology, data, & conclusions fully discussed, usually in separate sections. Research may involve direct observation, experimentation, interviews or surveys.Research may involve direct observation, experimentation, interviews or surveys. “The effects of orthotic intervention and 9 holes of simulated golf on gait in experienced golfers”“The effects of orthotic intervention and 9 holes of simulated golf on gait in experienced golfers”

What is the difference between a scholarly journal and a magazine?  Scholarly journals report scientific research in a field, written by & for researchers, scientists, practitioners & students Often “peer reviewed”Often “peer reviewed”  Magazine articles are written by professional writers for the general public, & report on current events & topics  Trade journals are written by professional writers & industry experts for practitioners in specific professions, & report trends & news in the field

Publishing ‘science’ and ‘research’ in chiropractic  Recognize differences among trade magazines, newspapers, and scholarly journals  Scientific contributions deserve the critical reviews of legitimate science journals  Often original data reports and scholarly review are found in other chiropractic periodicals

Science journals vs. other publications  Readers and contributors to the literature should recognize the difference  Owe it to patients, society, ourselves & the profession to be educated consumers of the literature  Chiropractic trades & political journals have been criticized for publishing original data without critical standards which constitute scientific publishing

Refereed or peer reviewed journals  “Peer review” is the process through which experts in a field of study examine and assess the quality of articles before they are published.  Peer review insures that the research described in a journal is sound and of high quality.

Publishing in a science journal  Submit manuscripts (mss) for consideration  Authors’ names and institutional affiliations listed on front page  Editor reviews for appropriateness Removes first page and sends “blinded” copies to reviewersRemoves first page and sends “blinded” copies to reviewers  Reviewers selected for knowledge of topic &/or methods  Reviewers don’t know identity of authors  Authors don’t know identity of reviewers

The peer review process  Reviews critique the mss in detail Accept the mss for publicationAccept the mss for publication Accept pending revisionsAccept pending revisions RejectReject  Authors receive copy of detailed critique  All copyrights are signed over to the journal  Peer-reviewed journals AKA Refereed journals

 Quality of material published in critically, blind peer-reviewed science journal usually superior to trade journals and newspapers  Trade publications and newspapers have other roles to play

Indexing and Retrieval sources  Next week’s lecture  JMPT is the only chiropractic-focused journal that is indexed in MedLine  Other indexes exist for “Alternative Therapies” and for non-scholarly publications  Note: prior to 1970’s, choices were limited for “legitimate” scientific publishing