Revealing Peer Reviewer Identities Could Introduce Bias: Study

An analysis finds that reviewers are more likely to choose to be de-anonymized when their reviews are positive, suggesting instituting a fully open process might discourage negative feedback.

Written byChloe Tenn

| 2 min read

Save for Later

Anonymous person covering face with question mark

Listen with Speechify

0:00

2:00

ABOVE: © ISTOCK.COM, LAZY_BEAR

A cornerstone of scientific publishing is peer review, where journal editors seek the opinions of one or more experts before accepting or rejecting a paper. Ideally, the process offers an unbiased assessment of a study’s merits and suggestions for making it better. An emerging form of peer review that de-anonymizes reviewers has the intent of increasing transparency and accountability, but a new study on the circumstances under which reviewers choose to reveal their identities suggests it could instead encourage biased critiques.

The norm for peer-reviewed papers has long been an anonymous process where the identities of those reviewing are protected with the aim of encouraging candid reviews. Over the past decade, some open science advocates, who favor a move toward greater transparency and accessibility of scientific knowledge through means such as open data tools and open access journals, have also lobbied for open peer review (OPR), ...

Interested in reading more?

The Scientist ARCHIVES

Become a Member of

Receive full access to more than 35 years of archives, as well as TS Digest, digital editions of The Scientist, feature stories, and much more!

Join for free today

Already a member?

Add The Scientist as a preferred Google source to see more of our trusted coverage.

Meet the Author

Chloe Tenn
Go to The Scientist's LinkedIn Page
Chloe Tenn is a graduate of North Carolina State University, where she studied neurobiology, English, and forensic science. Fascinated by the intersection of science and society, she has written for organizations such as NC Sea Grant and the Smithsonian. Chloe also works as a freelancer with AZoNetwork, where she ghostwrites content for biotechnology, pharmaceutical, food, energy, and environmental companies. She recently completed her MSc Science Communication from the University of Manchester, where she researched how online communication impacts disease stigma. You can check out more of her work here.
View Full Profile