In this day and age, peer reviews are commonplace within the scientific, medical, research and other industries and they play a major role in the improvement of work, as well as the potential for publication and more. In this article, we’ll be exploring what peer reviews entail and how they could be beneficial to anyone wanting to enhance their career.
What is a Peer Review?
In the most general of terms, a peer review is a form of evaluation that can take place singularly (with one reviewer), anonymously, or via a team review. The different types of peer review make it possible for the author of a document or form of publication to decide on which method may best suit their needs and preferences. By choosing the type of review that they’d like their work to undergo, they can benefit in a variety of ways depending on the review type selected.
What Types Are There?
There are 5 accepted types of peer review and these are:
- Single
- Double
- Open
- Collaborate
- Post-Publication
Each has its own benefits and drawbacks – and this is why before submitting work for a peer review, it’s a good idea to get to know a little more about each type.
Single
This type of review is by far the most prominent within the industry and in the majority of instances, it will be performed anonymously so as to avoid any risk of bias or unfair treatment.
Double
This type of review is performed by an individual within the field, as with the above option. What differs however, is that the author and the reviewer’s details are kept anonymous from one another.
Open
An open review is the polar opposite of the aforementioned types, whereby the author and reviewer’s information isn’t hidden or kept anonymously.
Collaborative
This type of peer review typically involves a group of industry experts that work together and this can sometimes even include the original author of the paper, allowing for a far more transparent process.
Post-Publication
This review typically takes place after a piece has been published within the specific community. Although the benefits might not seem obvious, it’s still possible to make changes for a resubmission or to learn from errors and mistakes made in the existing piece for when the author writes a new one.
These are the 5 most common categories of peer review and as you may be able to tell, each has its own benefits. The most popular is a single peer review, where the identity of the author is made known to the reviewer, while the reviewers’ details are kept private. By undergoing a review of your work, not only will you be showing a willingness to improve your skills and knowledge – but you’ll also be sharing your name within the community of reviewers, allowing your career a little extra publicity and demonstrating that you are happy to enhance your expertise in the process.
