What is Peer Review? Peer review is a crucial process used to evaluate the quality and validity of scholarly manuscripts prior to publication. Independent researchers in the relevant field assess submitted works for originality, significance, and rigor, aiding editors in deciding whether to publish the manuscript in their journal.
How Does It Work? Upon submission of a manuscript, the editorial team first checks if it meets the journal’s submission criteria. If it does, potential peer reviewers with expertise in the subject area are selected to evaluate the manuscript and provide recommendations. The AISE journal employs a double-blind review process, where reviewers do not know the authors' identities, and authors also do not know who reviewed their work. Different journals may use various peer review systems, which can be found on their respective 'About' pages.
Why is Peer Review Important? Peer review serves as a quality control mechanism in scientific publishing, confirming the manuscript's validity and enhancing its overall quality. Peer reviewers volunteer their time to improve manuscripts by identifying gaps that may require further explanation or experimentation. This process makes manuscripts:
- More Robust: Reviewers can highlight areas needing additional detail or clarification.
- Easier to Read: Suggestions from reviewers can enhance clarity and comprehension.
- More Useful: Reviewers assess the manuscript's relevance and significance to others in the field.