It’s Already Published: Can I Still Submit My Manuscript?

Sarai was a 34-year-old cisgender Indo-American female. In the spring of the previous year, Sarai had defended her dissertation, interviewed for several counselor education faculty positions, secured a tenure-track assistant faculty position, and graduated. Sarai and Professor Thomas reviewed the similarities and differences between the published study and her own manuscript. They concluded that Sarai needed to include the new study in the literature review of her manuscript, including a discussion of its strengths and limitations as well as its methodological differences. Sarai's dilemma presents the inevitable overlap of research. As a new professional, it can be intimidating and discouraging to see previously published studies on a similar topic, yet it is important to remember that two studies are rarely identical. A similar study may have important differences as well as further expand on knowledge of the topic by supporting or refuting previous findings.