Information for reviewers
Sage Journals policies
Information for reviewers
What is peer review?
Peer review is “a process where scientists (“peers”) evaluate the quality of other scientists’ work. By doing this, they aim to ensure the work is rigorous, coherent, uses past research and adds to what we already know.” This quote comes from an explainer on The Conversation.
Peer review brings academic research to publication in the following ways:
- Evaluation – Peer reviewing research helps publications select the highest quality articles.
- Integrity – Peer review ensures the integrity of the publishing process and the scholarly record.
- Quality – The filtering process and revision advice offered by verified experts within the academic field improves the quality of the final article, as well as providing the author with new insights into their research.
Types of peer review
- Single-anonymized – The name of the reviewer is hidden from the author.
- Double-anonymized – Names are hidden from reviewers and authors.
- Triple-anonymized – Names are hidden from authors, reviewers, and the publication’s editor.
- Open peer review – At Sage we offer open peer review on some journals through our transparent peer review program (see below), whereby reviews are published alongside articles. The names of the reviewers may also be published, depending on the reviewers’ preference.
- Post publication peer review – This involves an ongoing discussion of the research conducted via an open forum between the scientific community. It is the least common type of peer review and is not appropriate in all fields.
To learn more about the different types of peer review, see page 14 of Peer Review: The Nuts and Bolts of Peer Review, from Sense about Science.
Here is a full list of Sage’s journals can be found. Each journal will have its own set of instructions and submission guidelines for authors, so please double check the manuscript submission guidelines of the journal you are reviewing for in order to ensure that you understand the method of peer review being used.
Transparent peer review
There are a number of open peer review methods available. At Sage, the open reviewer reports we offer on selected journals all utilize the ScholarOne Transparent Peer Review Program.
A transparent peer review model shows the exchanges between peer reviewers and authors. Reviews are published alongside the final article, allowing research to be published in a completely open format. This approach gives readers access to the peer review process, from submission through to publication. By publishing reviewer comments, authors can demonstrate that their manuscript has been through a rigorous peer review process, and reviewers and editors can gain recognition for their work.
Due to the transparent nature of the review process, reviewers are incentivized to offer detailed and constructive feedback. Consequently, authors are more likely to receive valuable input that can enhance the quality of their paper and this review process lends authenticity to their research.
Increased transparency can help unveil biases – both conscious and unconscious – as well as identifying unfair reviewer reports, inappropriate tone and language, any conflicts of interest, and unfair advantages.
We offer transparent peer review on the following Sage journals:
- Advances in Methods and Practices in Psychological Science
- Clinical Medicine Insights: Pediatrics
- Neuroscience Insights.
- Technology in Cancer Research & Treatment
- Cancer Control
- European Journal of Personality
- International Journal of Risk & Safety in Medicine
- International Journal of Surgical Pathology
- Planning Theory
- Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology
Articles published online in these journals are accompanied by a link to the full peer review history, including each review stage, any author responses, and any final editor’s decision letters. Each of these elements is assigned its own Digital Object Identifier (DOI).
Transparent peer review is implemented according to the needs of each participating journal. Some allow authors and/or reviewers to opt out of the process, and reviewers will always be able to choose whether their reviews are signed or anonymous. If an author, reviewer, or editor, chooses to opt out, the review process for that paper will not be published.
Sage’s partnership with Clarivate
Journal Editors interested in finding out more about the ScholarOne Transparent Peer Review Program should contact their Sage Publishing Editor.