Peer Review: What Authors Need to Know
What Is Peer Review?
Peer review is a quality-checking process used by academic journals.
Before publication, articles are examined by experts in the field—called reviewers—to ensure work is clear, accurate, original, and useful.
Why Peer Review Matters
Single-Blind Review
The reviewers know who the author is, but the author does not know the reviewers. This is common but can occasionally introduce institutional bias.
Double-Blind Review
Neither party knows the other's identity. This promotes fairness, ensuring the work is judged solely on content and merit.
Author Requirements
What Reviewers Look For
- Clarity of the research question
- Quality of evidence or analysis
- Structure and organization
- Ethical standards and originality
Possible Review Outcomes
Revisions are a standard part of the process and signal a path toward improvement.
Final Advice
Peer review is not a test of status; it is a collaborative process to refine your work. Understanding the system allows you to prepare better manuscripts and respond to feedback with professional confidence.