The peer-review process

You may be asked to help review a paper that been submitted for publication in a “peer-reviewed journal”. Note that your review serves two functions: 1) To provide the editors with information they need to make a decision on the manuscript, and 2) To guide authors on how they can strengthen their manuscript to the point where it might be acceptable for publication. Published papers must provide convincing conclusions fully supported by the scientific evidence reported, and they must present an original contribution to existing knowledge. The point of a review is generally not to assess the importance or significance of the paper.

When writing a peer-review report, consider whether:

• the paper is technically sound.
• the methods are appropriate and properly conducted.
• the claims are fully supported by the data. If not, what further evidence is needed?
• the data analyses are sound.
• the graphs, figures, tables, etc. clearly and accurately represent the data.
• the claims are discussed in the context of previous literature.
• the manuscript is clearly written. If not, how could it be made more accessible?
• the are no special ethical concerns arising from the use of animals or human subjects.
• the manuscript could be revised to address any potential limitations.
• your comments are constructive, courteous, and professional.