A useful review helps editors assess the work and helps authors understand the reasons for that assessment.
Before accepting an invitation
Consider whether the manuscript falls within your expertise, whether you can complete the review in the requested time, and whether a relationship or interest could affect your assessment. Disclose relevant conflicts to the editor.
Evaluate the evidence
Assess the research question, methods, interpretation, and support for the conclusions. Distinguish major concerns affecting the validity of the work from changes that would improve presentation. Explain your reasoning and refer to specific passages where possible.
Keep the review constructive
Use respectful language and focus on the manuscript. Support criticism with clear examples. Recommend additional citations only when they are relevant to the argument or evidence, and do not make acceptance conditional on citing your own work.
Respect confidential material
Follow the journal’s confidentiality instructions. Do not use unpublished findings for your own research, circulate a manuscript to others, or upload confidential material to an external service without authorization.
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