I am wondering why only so few questionnaire are attached to the actual studies and papers where they were used. I am researching in the area of strategic management with special regards to family businesses
In a vast majority of studies, the authors use previously validated scales, and it is sufficient to indicate the source of the items. In some cases, this is done to keep the paper shorter and save some journal space. Many journals have recently introduced online supplements where you can add the research instrument at no cost to the journal. In some cases, a missing questionnaire is simply due to the authors' negligence or their desire not to reveal it for some reason. As a reviewer, if I cannot quickly establish the items, e.g., when the authors developed but did not list them, I lean towards a reject or a reject & resubmit. However, I noticed that it is actually not a big issue in management publications - most studies do provide their research instruments. But I have really struggled with this issue in social science disciplines including psychology - where the items are vital to replicate the study.
Hope it helps!
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