Researchers sign up to become a reviewer at http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/jmf

Obligations and Opportunities

The essential task of a reviewer is to provide a critique and evaluation that is

• Prompt
• Constructive
• Thoughtful
• Fair

The essential goal of the peer review process is to maximize the quality of published research in a field of scholarly inquiry. Remember as you write your review that you have obligations to three audiences: (a) the editor of the journal, (b) the author(s) of the paper, and (c) scholars who are doing research in this field.
The editor of the journal relies on reviewers who will be thorough, prompt, and fair. The editor expects to be provided with detailed but concise assessments of manuscript quality; a clear recommendation about whether the paper should be rejected, revised, or accepted; and feedback to authors that will be helpful in crafting a revision (or submission to another journal). The editor expects you to extend your expertise--not every article sent to you for review will be squarely within your primary area of specialization.

The authors rely on reviewers to be constructive, reasoned, explicit, and ethical. A submitted manuscript is confidential: Do not discuss it; do not copy it, do not quote it. Identify both the strengths and the weaknesses of the paper. Be aware of your biases or preferences. Do not be superficial or dismissive. Focus on those limitations that are serious threats to the internal and external validity of the study. Think of yourself as an unpaid consultant to the authors. Consider how you can help them to improve their study and write in this spirit of constructive criticism. Above all remember the golden rule of reviewing: Do unto these authors as you would have them do unto you as an author.

Other scholars rely on reviewers to maximize the quality of research published in their field. Journals are perhaps the single most important vehicle for dissemination of research findings. As a reviewer, you are helping to set the standard for quality. You have the opportunity to advance the quality of research in your field, to update your awareness of current research, and to learn new knowledge and skills. Being a manuscript reviewer is one of the best and most effective ways to continue your own education as a scholar.

Source for Additional ReadingEpstein, S (1995). What can be done to improve the journal review process. American Psychologist, 50, 883 - 884. Become a JMF ReviewerHow to Review an ArticleProofreader's MarksThe Editorial Review Process

Reviewer-in-Training Program

Purpose

The Reviewer-in-Training Program is designed to provide new PhDs and advanced graduate students with an opportunity to provide an important service to the scholarly community and to receive the training and experience to do this well. Our goal is to bring new professionals more quickly into the ranks of JMF reviewers.

Process

Manuscripts at JMF normally are reviewed by three people. During the training period, reviewers in training serve as fourth reviewers. Reviewers in training are asked to review three manuscripts over the course of an 18-month period. Once a decision on a manuscript is reached, all reviewers, including reviewers in training, received copies of all four reviews and of the editor's decision. This material provides the opportunity for reviewers in training to compare their review with those of others who have read the same manuscript. The editor decides whether to share the reviews with the author.

After reviewers in training have reviewed three manuscripts, the probationary period is ended. If the last reviews are strong, constructive, and prompt, reviewers in training are "graduated" into the ranks of our 2,000 ad hoc reviewers.

Eligibility

New professionals (new PhDs or advanced graduate students who have completed all requirements for the doctoral degree with the exception of the dissertation) are eligible to participate in the Reviewer-in-Training program.

Enrollment

To enroll in the Program, determine whether you meet the criteria. If you do, you may sign up as a reviewer at http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/jmf. Then send an e-mail to the Editor Elect (kelly.raley@austin.utexas.edu) indicating that you wish to enroll in the reviewer-in-training program.