Does peer review continue to be the best standard for ascertaining whether a manuscript is suitable for publication?
I am sure that all of us have encountered peer reviewers who are neither 'peers' in the true spirit of the word, or even good reviewers based on the quality of their reviews. However, most (?almost all) journal editors are somewhat reluctant to look past a reviewers recommendation and exercise their editorial prerogative. As a result, good research suffers! So what can be done? I don't have an answer but am looking for insightful comments/options. Thanks.
3 Answers
Dr. VVK
I think peer review remains the best standard for ensuring a manuscript's suitability for publication because it controls quality, engages experts, and provides feedback for improvements. However, the process can involve bias, inconsistency, and delays in disseminating findings. It might take a long time, but to get something extraordinary, patience is the best key to get an excellent reward.
Noel k
Surely , In my opinion the peer review will continue the best standards to ensure that the manuscript is suitable for publication because it is through the peer review that we (1)control the quality of the manuscript,(2)through the peer review, the expert in the filed are engaged, and (3)provision of feedback for improvements. However, the process may involve the bias, inconsistency from different reviewers as well as delay to disseminate the findings.
Dr. Khalil Ahmad
Improved reviewer selection and training: To increase the caliber and consistency of reviews, editors should pair manuscripts with genuine subject-matter experts and give reviewers more precise instructions or training.
Peer review that is open or transparent can increase accountability and decrease sloppy or biased assessments by making reviews (and the identity of the reviewers, if possible) publicly available.
Editorial accountability: Instead of following the consensus, editors should be more independent and use their own discretion, particularly when reviews are unreliable, contradictory, or lack substance.
Appreciation and rewards for reviewers Reviewers may be encouraged to give more careful input and take the process more seriously if they receive official credit, diplomas, or academic recognition.
In summary, peer review is still the greatest standard available, but its efficacy hinges on how strictly it is applied and how open editors are to considering reviewer feedback as advice rather than an indisputable judgment.