Reviewing a paper for a journal (peer review)

TL;DR

Learn how to write a constructive review for a journal paper by sticking to your expertise, being clear about flaws or areas of improvement, offering positive feedback, and maintaining polite and professional language.

Transcript

hi my name is matthias willis and today i'll talk to you how to write a review of a paper for a journal now this is just about the general attitude to take of course i cannot go into great detail in a short video about the contents and how you should structure it and all that but it's just to give you some basic ideas on how to write a productive a... Read More

Key Insights

• 💋 Stick to your expertise and be clear about areas outside your knowledge.
• 😑 Clearly express fatal flaws in the paper while being friendly and professional.
• ❓ Adopt a helpful attitude by providing specific recommendations for improvement.
• 💬 Start with a positive comment to show empathy towards the authors' efforts.
• 🏮 Be specific in your recommendations, avoiding attempts to entirely rewrite the paper.
• 😑 Express appreciation for aspects you genuinely liked in the paper.
• 👊 Maintain a polite and professional tone throughout, avoiding unprofessional or personal attacks.

Questions & Answers

Q: Should I review a paper outside my area of expertise?

It's important to stick to your expertise when reviewing a paper. If you're unfamiliar with certain techniques or topics, make it clear to the editor and focus on aspects within your knowledge.

Q: Should I be upfront about my opinion on the paper's worthiness?

As a reviewer, your role is not to make the final decision on acceptance or rejection. However, if you identify a fatal flaw, it is crucial to clearly express your concerns while maintaining a friendly and constructive tone.

Q: Is it necessary to provide positive feedback in my review?

Starting your review with something positive, even if you have criticisms, shows empathy towards the authors' effort. A simple acknowledgment of the paper's importance or the authors' dedication can help establish a more constructive tone.

Q: How specific should my recommendations be?

When offering recommendations, be as specific as possible. Instead of making general statements, focus on particular aspects that need improvement, suggesting changes or potential removal/addition of content.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Stick to your expertise when reviewing a paper, acknowledging limitations in your knowledge and focusing on the aspects you can provide meaningful comments on.

• Clearly state any fatal flaws in the paper, being firm but friendly in your assessment.

• If you believe the paper has potential but needs improvement, adopt an attitude of helping the authors by offering specific recommendations.