Q1 Journals - Social Sciences
The Quartile ranking is a way of classifying journals based on their SJR Score within a subject category. Journals in the top 25% are Q1, the next 25% are Q2, and so on through Q4.
Use the table below to browse journals by quartile and explore other metrics such as the Impact Factor and H-Index.
| # | Journals List | Quartile | SJR Score | H-Index | Impact Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Analytic Methods in Accident Research | Q1 | 5.170 | 48 | 12.9 |
| 2 | Educational Research Review | Q1 | 3.269 | 88 | 11.7 |
| 3 | Communication Methods and Measures | Q1 | 3.757 | 38 | 11.4 |
| 4 | Review of Educational Research | Q1 | 5.804 | 174 | 11.2 |
| 5 | American Sociological Review | Q1 | 7.412 | 222 | 9.1 |
| 6 | American Political Science Review | Q1 | 7.734 | 191 | 8.5 |
| 7 | Progress in Human Geography | Q1 | 3.604 | 168 | 8.1 |
| 8 | Political Analysis | Q1 | 4.815 | 77 | 5.4 |
| 9 | European Journal of Political Research | Q1 | 3.590 | 110 | 5.3 |
| 10 | British Journal of Political Science | Q1 | 3.893 | 107 | 5 |
| 11 | Comparative Political Studies | Q1 | 3.766 | 122 | 5.0 |
| 12 | American Journal of Political Science | Q1 | 4.963 | 193 | 4.2 |
| 13 | China Review | Q1 | 0.616 | 23 | 1.64 |
What is the Journal Quartile?
A journal quartile classifies journals into four tiers (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) within a specific subject category, based on their SJR Score (or sometimes Impact Factor). Quartiles help researchers quickly assess where a journal stands compared to peers in the same field — not against unrelated disciplines.
Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 Explained
| Quartile | Position | Quality Indication |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Top 25% | Highest-impact, most prestigious in the field |
| Q2 | 25%–50% | Strong reputation, frequently cited |
| Q3 | 50%–75% | Solid mid-tier journals |
| Q4 | Bottom 25% | Emerging or niche journals |
How are Quartiles Determined?
SCImago ranks all journals in a subject category by their SJR score, then divides them into four equal-sized groups:
- The top 25% = Q1 (e.g., if there are 200 journals in “Medicine”, the top 50 by SJR are Q1).
- The next 25% = Q2 (positions 51–100).
- The next 25% = Q3.
- The bottom 25% = Q4.
A journal can have different quartiles in different subject categories — e.g., Q1 in “Cardiology” but Q2 in “Internal Medicine” if it’s indexed in both.
Why Quartiles Matter for Authors
- Tenure & promotion: Many universities require Q1 or Q2 publications.
- Funding: Grant agencies often weigh Q1 papers more heavily.
- Visibility: Q1 journals reach larger, more engaged audiences.
- Career growth: Early-career researchers benefit from Q1/Q2 papers on their CV.
Quartile FAQ
What does Q1 mean?
Q1 means the journal is in the top 25% of its subject category by SJR score. It’s the highest tier and typically the most competitive to publish in.
Is a Q1 journal always better than a Q2?
Generally yes — but a niche Q2 journal closely aligned with your scope may have higher acceptance rates and a more targeted audience than a broad Q1 journal where your work would be one of many.
How do I find Q1 journals in my subject?
Use our Q1 Medicine page (replace “medicine” with your subject) or the Quartile Journal Finder.
Can a journal change quartiles?
Yes — quartiles are recalculated annually. Journals can move up or down based on changes in citations and SJR scores.
Tips for Targeting the Right Quartile
- Be honest about your work: If your paper is incremental, Q3/Q4 may give a faster acceptance and still build your record.
- Match scope first, quartile second: A perfect-fit Q2 journal beats a poor-fit Q1.
- Use multiple metrics: Combine quartile with H-Index and acceptance rate.
- Avoid predatory journals claiming “Q1 status” outside SCImago’s actual ranking.
