Some suggestions for section on Review Format
Hi there,
this is a nice guide. I particularly like the part that outlines a workshop on the topic. I have a few minor suggestions for the section "Review Format". If you agree to the suggested changes (or a version thereof), I'm happy to open a merge request.
Summary
In suggest the following changes:
- Mention that it is good practice to start your comments to the authors with a summary of the research in your own words.
- Dedicate a section to a summary of your review, including positive aspects, limitation to your expertise and how these shape the scope of your review.
- Note that it is usually preferable to not use confidential comments to the editor.
Page / Location
The suggested changes pertain to the sections "Comments to the authors" and "Comments to the editor" on the page "Review format"
Proposed Content
I suggest the following additions:
Comments to the authors
Summary and overall impressions: Start by summarizing the manuscript in your own words. It demonstrates that you have read it carefully and understood its contribution. Follow this summary with a broad summary of the manuscript's strengths and weaknesses, including what the study adds and what limitations you perceive. You may highlight which of your following comments seem particularly important to you.
Expertise and scope of review: Editors and authors can misinterpret a lack of comments as implicit endorsement. So, if applicable, mention which aspects of the research you did not evaluate (e.g., because they are beyond your expertise or because you did not understand them).
Comments to the editor
In the interest of transparency and accountability, it is preferable to use confidential comments to the editor sparingly (Swanson, 2022). If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can use this space to add information that risks revealing your identity (e.g., potential or perceived competing interests). Or you may also recommend additional review by someone with specific expertise.
Some journals may require you to write confidential comments to the editor; in this case you can follow the structure below. Feel free to use the same text as in the comments to the authors.
Reason / Context
I think the added sections for the "Comments to Authors" dedicate space of the review to recommendations that are made elsewhere in this guide. Although these sections are very similar to those proposed for the confidential comments to the editor, I think it is generally preferable to add these to the comments to authors.
Checklist
- Grammar and tone reviewed
- Internal links correct
- Approved by content owner