Reviewer's plank

Peer review stands as a cornerstone in scholarly publication, bolstering scientific rigor by subjecting papers to meticulous scrutiny.

Multiple reviewers assess methodological clarity, result-conclusion alignment, reproducibility, and references, enhancing the credibility of scientific reports. This process not only ensures high-quality, validated research but also fosters knowledge sharing between reviewers and authors. Crucially, serving as a peer reviewer aids in discerning research quality, particularly benefiting early-career researchers by honing their skills through learning from both mistakes and successes. These practices collectively contribute to the robustness and reliability of scholarly knowledge.

Peer Review imperative

The imperative of engaging in peer review

Peer reviewing is more than a scholarly duty; it's a gateway to actively enhance academic research quality. Beyond upholding rigorous standards, it immerses individuals in field advancements, ensuring a continuous link to academic progress. This altruistic act enriches the academic community and serves as a crucible for personal and professional development, honing critical thinking skills. Here are some of the reasons why researchers should participate in peer review:

Contribution to Academic Quality: Peer reviewing actively contributes to the quality and integrity of academic research, upholding rigorous standards in scholarly publications.

Engagement with Field Advancements: Serving as a peer reviewer enables individuals to stay abreast of the latest developments in their field, fostering continuous engagement with academic advancements.

Personal Development: This altruistic act not only benefits the academic community but also hones the reviewer's analytical and critical thinking skills, making peer reviewing a valuable avenue for personal and professional development.

Peer Review Importance

The importance of peer review

Scientific rigor: Peer review enhances the credibility of scientific reports. Multiple reviewers scrutinize a paper to detect errors and boost its rigor. They assess the clarity of methods; whether conclusions match results, research reproducibility, and the representative references.

Sharing expertise: Peer review allows both the reviewers and authors to share knowledge and expertise

High-quality content: Peer-reviewed content ensures that researchers can readily access reliable and scientifically validated research in their domain.

Understanding quality research: Serving as a peer reviewer helps discern good from bad research, especially for early-career researchers. Reviewing aids in improving one's own writing by learning from mistakes and successes.

Peer Review types

Types of peer review

1. Single-anonymous
2. Double anonymous
3. Open peer review
4. Post-publication peer review

Saying no to peer review

When should a reviewer not accept the invitation?

A reviewer should not accept the invitation in the following situations:

  • Going on leave
  • If there is a conflict of interest, such as personal or professional connections with the authors
  • Lack the necessary expertise to critically evaluate the manuscript.
  • Unable to meet the deadline for a comprehensive review due to time constraints.
  • If previously reviewed the same manuscript for another journal.
  • If they recognize that their own biases may affect their ability to impartially review the manuscript.
Peer review - feedback structure

Constructive review structure

  • Begin with a brief summary of the paper's objectives and findings.
  • Focus on the article's quality, highlighting major concerns like methodological or analytical issues.
  • Note minor issues, such as areas needing clarification or superfluous details.
  • Conclude by summarizing main strengths and weaknesses.Proofread your review before submission.
  • Examine any supplementary material for relevance.
  • While not responsible for fixing grammar or typos, report if poor writing hinders understanding or makes reading difficult.