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In general, manuscripts in areas where research exists should build on previous research and present something new. For new or cutting edge area, qualitative research is preferred. However, sometimes personal accounts of experiences with a technology that suggest a future research agenda are published. Click here for information on manuscripts about distance education.
Research on IT and human services, either qualitative or quantitative. Articles follow the APA format of presenting (1) the literature that leads to the research questions, (2) methods including a description of the intervention, sample, and procedures; (3) results including limitations; and (4) conclusions, recommendations and suggested future research. Include effect size along with significance if appropriate.
Research on web-based teaching technologies such as video synchronous classrooms and internet asynchronous classrooms. Be sure to describe the intervention (course/training) well. Include effect size along with significance if appropriate.
Descriptions of major applications that include a literature review and evaluative data or lessons learned.
Meta-analyses of research on important topics related to IT and the human services.
Personal experiences with human service IT with new technologies where previous research does not exist. For example, new e-therapy techniques. The article should include lessons learned and suggestions for future research.
Analyses of human services IT policies or issues. Articles can review both sides and then advocate a position if the analysis warrants.
Replications of previous research with additional controls or new findings.
Descriptions of a technology application that describe the application, the major decisions made during development and their rationale, the results of the application, lessons learned, issues encountered, and recommendations for those wanting to develop similar applications. Screen shots may be included to illustrate the applications. Manuscripts are not expected to include a review of related literature, theoretical base, bibliographic references, etc.
Description of research with inconclusive results due to problematic methods, sample, execution, etc. However, the findings would be useful to others researching the same area. A section to guide future research is required.
Descriptions of new technologies and the potential for their use in the human services along with advice or implications if any.
Descriptions of significant human service information technology projects before results are available. These "work-in-progress" manuscripts specify the organization conducting the research, the sponsors, a general description of the research project, major goals and objectives, methodology, anticipated results, and findings to date if any.
Software reviews contains evaluations of software relevant to the human services. Reviews are usually 4-8 double-spaced, typed pages. Vendors with software to review should email Dick Schoech. Software received for review will be posted on the HUSITA mailing list (listserv) and a reviewer sought. Check the JTHS software review guidelines for details.
Book reviews provides critiques of current books relevant to human service information technology. Although priority will be given to books emphasizing human service technology, relevant books with more general content will also be considered. Reviews are usually 4-8 double-spaced, typed pages. Books received for review will be given to the JTHS book review editor who will solicit a reviewer and manage the review process. Check the JTHS book review guidelines for details.
JTHS publishes reviews of web sites. Reviews are usually 4-8 double-spaced, typed pages. Email the Web Site Review Editors with suggestions for any site you would like to review. Check the Web review guidelines for details.
Articles comparing non-internet based distance education technologies such as those comparing interactive television with face-to-face methods.
Descriptions of system development and implementation that do not go beyond the current research, e.g., summaries of system development and implementation guidelines.
Personal experiences of IT and human services unless the area is very new or has not been addressed previously.
Reviews of specific technologies unless a timely review has not been published in the last several years, e.g., a review of assistive technology.
Manuscripts concerning two way video via TVs and cameras in a classroom setting are rarely reviewed. Most articles published in JTHS will concern web-based distance education technologies or tools researched in several courses with large samples and formal research designs. JTHS acknowledges that small exploratory studies are sometimes important for very new DE technologies appearing on the market, e.g., video conferencing type classrooms via webcams. These descriptive studies of new technologies should provide a lessons learned section and describe the future research needed. JTHS will also publish articles describing potentially important future teaching techniques and tools, e.g., tablets and smartphones with front facing cameras, gamification, virtual worlds, virtual reality, social media, artificial intelligence, etc. These futuristic articles should include a research agenda specifying the next steps needed to move the field forward.