Learning and Motivation

Learning and Motivation publishes research that advances fundamental understanding of learning, cognition, and motivation in humans and animals. The journal prioritizes studies offering clear empirical and/or theoretical contributions, characterized by methodological rigor, conceptual innovation, and relevance to both the scientific community and broader society.

We welcome manuscripts addressing topics such as associative and non-associative learning, applied behavior analysis, relational frame theory, self-determination theory, cognitive and motivational mechanisms, comparative and evolutionary approaches, neural and biological underpinnings, and the roles of emotion and affect in learning and motivation.

Both basic and applied research are welcome, provided that applied studies, in areas such as clinical and educational settings, advance theoretical understanding and offer substantive theoretical or empirical insights into learning and/or motivation, beyond the description of phenomena or evaluation of interventions. Interdisciplinary work drawing on neuroscience, computational modeling, developmental, or evolutionary frameworks is encouraged when it enhances understanding of learning and motivation.

The journal publishes a range of article types, including integrated series of experiments, original empirical reports, theoretical and review papers, short reports, and commentaries. Experimental studies may employ group-based or well-controlled single-case designs, while reviews may include meta-analytic syntheses. Qualitative work is considered, typically within a mixed-methods framework.

Learning and Motivation does not consider purely methodological papers, clinical case studies, or work focused solely on educational or organizational interventions. Descriptive or correlational studies are generally outside the journal’s scope, unless they yield substantial theoretical insight.

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