What is Peer Review?
Peer review is the scientific scholarly evaluation of work by one or more people of similar competence to the producers of the work (peers). It constitutes a form of self-regulation by qualified members of a profession within the relevant field. Peer review methods are employed to maintain standards of quality, improve performance, and provide credibility
Why is Peer Review important?
Reviewers play a central role in scholarly publishing. Peer review helps validate research, establish a method by which it can be evaluated, and increase networking possibilities within research communities. Despite criticisms, peer review is still the only widely accepted method for research validation.
Ijcab.org relies on the peer review process to uphold the quality and validity of individual articles and the journals that we publish.
Peer review has been a formal part of scientific communication since the first scientific journals appeared more than 300 years ago.
Types of peer review
- Single blind review
The names of the reviewers are hidden from the author. This is the traditional method of reviewing and is the most common type by far. Reviewer anonymity allows for impartial decisions – the reviewers will not be influenced by the authors.
Authors may be concerned that reviewers in their field could delay publication, giving the reviewers a chance to publish first. Reviewers may use their anonymity as justification for being unnecessarily critical or harsh when commenting on the authors’ work.
- Double-blind review
Both the reviewer and the author are anonymous.
Author anonymity prevents any reviewer bias, for example based on an author’s country of origin or previous controversial work. Articles written by prestigious or renowned authors are considered on the basis of the content of their papers, rather than their reputation. Reviewers can often identify the author through their writing style, subject matter or self-citation. More information for authors can be found in our Double-Blind Peer Review Guidelines.
- Open review
Reviewer and author are known to each other. Some believe this is the best way to prevent malicious comments, stop plagiarism, prevent reviewers from following their own agenda, and encourage open, honest reviewing.
Others see open review as a less honest process, in which politeness or fear of retribution may cause a reviewer to withhold or tone down criticism.
- More transparent peer review
Reviewers play a vital role in academic publishing, yet their contributions are often hidden.
Why become a Peer Reviewer?
Getting involved in the peer review process can be a highly rewarding experience that can also improve your own research and help to further your career.
If you’re just starting out as a reviewer, don’t be deterred. Journal editors are often looking to expand their pool of reviewers, which means there will be a demand for your particular area of expertise. To become a peer Reviewer with International Journal of Current Aspects, write to the editor@ijcab.org
Recognition for Reviewers
A reviewer’s input to the editorial process is invaluable, and as publishers, ijcab seek to recognize the efforts of reviewers.
The ways reviewers receive recognition varies from journal to journal, and can include:
- Being included in a journal’s annual list of reviewers, typically in the year’s first or last issue.
- Receiving complimentary online access to the journal, or package of journals, for a specific time period
- Getting a letter or certificate of contribution from the journal editor