Efficacy, efficiency, and models of journal peer review. The known and unknown in the social sciences

Seeber, M. (2022). Efficacy, efficiency, and models of journal peer review: the known and unknown in the social sciences. In Handbook on Research Assessment in the Social Sciences. Edited by T.C.E. Engels and E. Kulczycki. Pp. 67–82. Edward Elgar Publishing. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4337/97818003725

20 Pages Posted: 29 Apr 2022

See all articles by Marco Seeber

Marco Seeber

University of Agder, Department of Political Science and Management

Date Written: April 21, 2022

Abstract

This chapter explores the main challenges of peer review in scientific journals, with special attention to our current knowledge and key research gaps on journal peer review in the social sciences. The first part of the chapter examines the efficacy and efficiency of peer review in selecting the most valid and important contributions and in contributing to the improvement of scientific manuscripts, as well as issues of low reliability, bias, and large direct and indirect costs. The second part of the chapter discusses different models of peer review according to the anonymity of authors and reviewers, the pros and cons of post-publication peer review, and the ongoing debate about the need and risks of reforming peer review. The chapter concludes with implications for journal editors and manuscript evaluation.

Keywords: Peer Review, Social Sciences, Efficacy, Effectiveness, Gatekeeping, Developmental

Suggested Citation

Seeber, Marco, Efficacy, efficiency, and models of journal peer review. The known and unknown in the social sciences (April 21, 2022). Seeber, M. (2022). Efficacy, efficiency, and models of journal peer review: the known and unknown in the social sciences. In Handbook on Research Assessment in the Social Sciences. Edited by T.C.E. Engels and E. Kulczycki. Pp. 67–82. Edward Elgar Publishing. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4337/97818003725, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4089299

Marco Seeber (Contact Author)

University of Agder, Department of Political Science and Management ( email )

Serviceboks 422
N-4604 Kristiansand, VEST AGDER 4604
Norway

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