Reviewer Policies
Reviewer Guidelines
Reviewers play a crucial role in maintaining the quality and integrity of research published in Anthropology – Open Journal. Reviewers are expected to provide timely, constructive, and unbiased feedback on manuscripts. They should evaluate the scientific quality, originality, methodology, and relevance of the work, ensuring that it aligns with the journal’s scope and standards. Reviewers must provide clear explanations for their recommendations, whether they suggest acceptance, revision, or rejection. Comments should be respectful, specific, and free from personal criticism. If a reviewer feels that they lack the expertise to assess certain aspects of the manuscript, they should politely decline the review request. It is essential for reviewers to maintain confidentiality throughout the review process. They must not share or discuss the manuscript with others unless authorized by the journal. Reviewers are also expected to disclose any potential conflicts of interest that may influence their assessment. Ethical guidelines should be adhered to, particularly in terms of plagiarism detection and ensuring that all references and sources are properly cited. Overall, the goal of the review process is to uphold the journal’s commitment to publishing high-quality, ethical, and scientifically sound research.
Conflict of Interest and Financial Disclosures (specific to reviewers)
To ensure transparency and the integrity of the peer review process, Anthropology – Open Journal requires that reviewers disclose any potential conflicts of interest. A conflict of interest arises when a reviewer’s personal, professional, or financial relationships could be perceived to bias their evaluation of a manuscript. This includes but is not limited to, current or past collaborations with the authors, financial investments, or any other affiliations that could influence the objectivity of the review. Reviewers are asked to complete a conflict of interest statement at the time of their review invitation, acknowledging whether they have any relevant conflicts. If a conflict of interest arises during the review process, reviewers must inform the journal editors immediately. Reviewers are also required to disclose any financial relationships that could be relevant to the manuscript under review, such as funding from the same institution, research grants, or sponsorships. The journal is committed to ensuring that the review process is free from bias and that manuscripts are evaluated based solely on scientific merit. In cases where a potential conflict of interest is identified, the journal may assign a different reviewer or take additional steps to mitigate the bias. Transparency in this area is essential for maintaining the credibility and trustworthiness of the peer review process.
