Reviewer GuidelinesSupport research quality
Help maintain scientific quality through constructive peer review.
Principles of Peer Review
Reviewers provide objective, constructive feedback that strengthens manuscripts and supports editorial decisions.
What to Evaluate
Core review areas
Methods
Assess study design and reproducibility.
Results
Confirm conclusions match data.
Ethics
Check approvals and data use.
Clarity
Suggest improvements in structure.
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Email the Editorial OfficeRequest InformationConflict of Interest
Reviewers should decline assignments where conflicts may affect impartiality. Inform the editor promptly if conflicts arise.
Constructive Feedback
Provide specific, actionable comments and maintain a respectful tone. Focus on scientific rigor and clarity.
Review Structure
Organize comments into major and minor issues. Highlight methodological strengths and areas requiring clarification.
Timeliness
Accept reviews only when you can meet the deadline. Prompt reviews support efficient editorial decisions and author satisfaction.
Ethics Review
Verify that ethics approvals, consent procedures, and data availability statements are included. Flag concerns to the editor.
Data and Analysis
Check whether analyses align with the research questions and data structure. Comment on transparency and reproducibility.
Recommendation Guidance
Provide a clear recommendation with rationale. Distinguish essential revisions from optional improvements.
Originality Checks
Note potential overlap with prior literature or duplicate submissions. Alert the editor if originality is unclear.
Reporting Standards
Check that manuscripts follow relevant reporting guidelines and include sufficient methodological detail for replication.
Statistical Clarity
Ensure statistical tests are appropriate and clearly reported. Comment on effect sizes, confidence intervals, and data presentation.
Bias and Inclusion
Consider whether participant descriptions and interpretations avoid bias and reflect inclusive, respectful language.
Confidentiality Reminder
Do not share manuscript content or use unpublished data in your own work. Confidentiality is essential for trust in peer review.
Review Format
Start with a brief summary of the manuscript, then list major concerns and minor edits. Structured feedback helps editors make decisions quickly. Use numbered points for clarity and cite specific sections or figures when raising concerns. This helps authors respond efficiently and supports the editor in making balanced decisions without extended follow up questions or delays during review cycles.
Scope Fit
Comment on whether the manuscript aligns with verbal behavior research priorities. Scope guidance helps editors decide on revision or transfer.
