Reviewer Guidelines
Reviewers are essential to maintaining the quality and integrity of JBSR publications.
These guidelines outline expectations for fair, constructive peer review.
Core Review Principles
Reviewers should evaluate manuscripts objectively, focusing on originality, methodological rigor, and contribution to biosemiotics. Reviews should be evidence based, respectful, and aimed at improving the work. Confidentiality is mandatory for all materials under review.
What To Evaluate
Scope And Contribution
Does the manuscript advance biosemiotic theory or empirical understanding?
Methods And Evidence
Are methods appropriate, transparent, and supported by the data?
Clarity And Structure
Is the argument coherent, and are conclusions supported by results?
Ethics And Conflicts
If you have a conflict of interest or cannot provide an unbiased review, decline the invitation promptly. Report any concerns about plagiarism, data integrity, or ethical compliance to the editor. Do not share manuscript content or use unpublished ideas for personal research.
Constructive Feedback
Provide clear, actionable comments that help authors improve their work. Separate major concerns from minor edits and prioritize issues that affect validity, interpretation, or clarity. Avoid personal criticism and focus on the content of the manuscript.
Recommendation Options
Recommendations typically include accept, minor revision, major revision, or reject. Use these categories consistently and explain the rationale behind your recommendation. If you recommend major changes, outline the key issues that must be addressed for the manuscript to be considered again.
Data And Reporting Checks
Assess whether methods are described in enough detail to support reproducibility. Confirm that data, figures, and tables align with the stated conclusions. If data availability statements are missing or unclear, request clarification. Transparent reporting strengthens confidence in the findings.
Citation And Attribution Ethics
Suggest citations only when they are directly relevant to the manuscript. Do not request citations for personal gain or unrelated work. Balanced, accurate referencing helps authors position their contribution within the existing literature.
Anonymity And Confidentiality
Do not contact authors directly or reveal your identity if the review is blinded. All correspondence should occur through the editorial system to preserve fairness and confidentiality.
Timelines
Timely reviews help authors and improve publication speed. If you cannot meet the deadline, notify the editorial office quickly so another reviewer can be invited. We appreciate concise reviews that balance detail with clarity.
If additional time is needed, request an extension before the due date.
Need Review Support?
Contact the editorial office if you have questions about a review assignment.
