Peer review is used to assess the quality of a manuscript before it is published. Peer reviewers are independent researchers with expertise in a relevant research area that review the manuscript for originality, validity, and significance to help editors determine whether a manuscript should be published in their journal. It's important to note that a hallmark of predatory publishing is unclear or non-existent peer-review policies on the journal's homepage. Make sure the journal or publisher you are reviewing has good information about the type of peer review it uses.
There are four main types of peer review:
- Single-blind: the reviewers know the names of the authors, but the authors do not know who reviewed their manuscript unless the reviewer chooses to sign their report.
- Double-blind: the reviewers do not know the names of the authors, and the authors do not know who reviewed their manuscript.
- Open peer: authors know who the reviewers are, and the reviewers know who the authors are. If the manuscript is accepted, the named reviewer reports are published alongside the article and the authors' response to the reviewer.
- Transparent peer: the reviewers know the names of the authors, but the authors do not know who reviewed their manuscript unless the reviewer chooses to sign their report. If the manuscript is accepted, the anonymous reviewer reports are published alongside the article and the authors' response to the reviewer.