Seals DR. Ponderings on peer review: Part I. Basic principles.
Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2023;
325:R212-R226. [PMID:
37272782 DOI:
10.1152/ajpregu.00062.2023]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In Part 1 of this Perspective, I share my thoughts on several basic principles of scientific peer review for early career-stage investigators. I begin by defining scientific peer review and its primary goals and briefly discuss the historical development of peer review. I then describe the reputed benefits of the process for science and society. Next, I characterize the "2-stage" structure of peer review, as well as the most prevalent evaluation formats used for determining scientific merit of peer-reviewed documents, including grant applications and manuscripts. I then discuss the primary responsibilities and core values of scientific peer review and offer several general tips for how to be an effective scientific peer reviewer. I next share commonly voiced concerns about the peer review process and oft-cited suggestions for improving the system. I finish the commentary by emphasizing numerous benefits of having a sound working knowledge of peer review for enhancing research career development and describe various opportunities for obtaining experience in peer review. This discussion of general issues is intended to lay a proper foundation upon which to address specific aspects of peer review of manuscripts in part 2 and grant applications in part 3 of the Perspective.
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