Selectivity and Impact Factor

[Sally Sass]

Hi All,

I wonder what the precise relationship is between journal impact factor and level of competitiveness. In other words, some specialty journals are prominent journals is particular sub-fields, or showcase high quality work of a particular method. That said, their overall impact factor falls below a 1.0. Are they likely to be highly competitive in terms of manuscript acceptance? Also, what percentage-range of acceptance constitutes "selective," in your opinions?

Lastly, where can we access info about journal acceptance rates for non-ASA journals?

Happy Weekend!

[problems with impact factors]

To get acceptance rates you probably have to email the editor of each journal (rarely are they publicly listed on the web or elsewhere).

Impact factors are really suspect, it all depends on the sources and methodologies used. Google scholar vs Thompson ISI get really different results for the same article. Also, web of science ignores many sociological journals so they get much lower "impact factors" than Psychological journals.