===== JAMA Neurology ===== _JAMA Neurology_ is one of the most prestigious journals in clinical neurology, with a recent impact factor around 20–21, placing it among the global top three in the field. However, its status brings strengths and limitations that should be critically evaluated. ==== 🟢 Strengths ==== * **High visibility**: The elevated impact factor ensures broad dissemination among neurologists and neuroscientists. * **Editorial rigor**: Peer review is fast and detailed (average 3–4 weeks according to SciRev). * **Efficient publishing**: Articles are often published online ahead of print, speeding dissemination. * **Author engagement**: Includes author interviews, podcasts, and media visibility. * **Focus on cutting-edge topics**: Regular publication of high-impact reviews, consensus statements, and original research. ==== 🔴 Limitations ==== * **Citation-driven bias**: As with many high-IF journals, editorial decisions may be shaped by citation potential. * **Limited methodological diversity**: Replication studies, negative results, and regional data may be underrepresented. * **Industry influence risks**: Potential conflicts of interest from funding sources require critical appraisal, despite formal disclosure policies. * **Impact factor inflation practices**: The journal may (as many do) prioritize citable items like reviews, potentially distorting publication balance. ==== 🧭 Summary Judgment ==== | Aspect | Assessment | |------------------------|------------| | Scientific Rigor | High | | Visibility & Prestige | Very High | | Editorial Transparency | Moderate | | Methodological Breadth | Limited | ==== 📝 Recommendation ==== For authors: Target JAMA Neurology if your work is novel, broadly relevant, and of high methodological quality. For readers: Critically evaluate articles, especially industry-funded studies or those with extraordinary claims. Look beyond the impact factor—rigor and reproducibility matter more than prestige.