Racial Biases in the Publication Process: Exploring Expressions and Solutions

Abstract

In this guest editorial, we consider racial biases in the publication processes. Drawing on the experiences of a large network of authors, we conclude that such racial biases express themselves in differential responses to two study attributes that covary with the racial background of authors: research topics (less favorable for research on race and diversity) and research samples (less favorable for samples that deviate more from the predominantly White samples from Northern America and Western countries outside of Northern America). We outline possible solutions to reduce racial biases in the publication process.