We need to talk about peer-review-Experienced reviewers are not endangered species, but they need motivation

J Clin Epidemiol. 2020 Sep:125:201-205. doi: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2020.02.001. Epub 2020 Feb 14.

Abstract

Background and objectives: Reviewer refusal is a phenomenon associated with different causes, including reviewer fatigue, lack of time, dissatisfaction with the editorial system, among other reasons. This article discusses the main factors involved in the reviewer refusal and the "peer-review crisis" from a broad perspective. In addition, reasons that make a researcher accept or not a review invitation are also described.

Methods: This article is a narrative review.

Results: This article provides some alternatives that can help in the reversal of peer-review crisis and decrease high reviewer refusal rates, and which may also engage experienced reviewers in the peer-review process.

Conclusion: Carefully selecting reviewers, publicly acknowledging them, and offering nonmonetary rewards appear to be good strategies for engaging reviewers. In addition, highly productive reviewers should be recognized by the journals.

Keywords: Peer-review; Reviewer fatigue; Reviewers; Rewards; Scholarly journals; Scientific publication.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Motivation
  • Peer Group
  • Peer Review*
  • Peer Review, Research