Peer review takes many forms. Here are a few of the most common models. | Peer Review In all its many shapes and sizes
We tend to think of peer review as a monolith, but in fact peer review takes many forms. Here are a few of the most common models you may be asked to participate in during your career.
One can state, without exaggeration, that the observation of and the search for similarities and differences are the basis of all human knowledge. - Alfred Nobel
BLIND
Single blind: Reviewers know the authors’ identities, but reviewer names are protected.
Double-blind: Reviewer and author names are protected.
SIGNED
Reviewers sign their comments.
Authors receive reviewer names in the decision letter.
COLLABORATIVE
Reviewers collaborate and submit joint comments, or in some cases confer with authors and editors during the review process.
PORTABLE
Reviews are sought by an organisation or journal and shared with any journals that require them later on.
PUBLISHED
Reviewer comments and/or names are published with the article.
POST-PUBLICATION
After a manuscript is posted the community reviews the research in an open forum. Reviewer names are usually published with their comments.
Keep in mind that these formats are often combined. For example, a review process might be single-blind by default, but still offer you the option to sign your review, and transfer the reviewer history to another journal.
So, why are there so many types of peer review—and which one is best?
There’s no simple answer; each type of peer review has its strengths and weaknesses. Take a look at the research below, and see what you think. Share your ideas with us for a chance to win one of 5 PLOS t-shirts.
What is open peer review? A systematic review Ross-Hellauer, T. Explore the meaning of open peer review with this detailed review. Short on time? Take a look at Figure 5 and ‘Which problems with traditional peer review do the various OPR traits address?’
