STRUCTURE OF THE REVIEW |
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COMMENTS TO AUTHORS |
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1. Manuscript summary from the reviewer's perspective |
How the reviewer "sees" the article. Describe in your own
words the objectives, methods and important findings. How does the
article compare in the literature? |
2. General comments |
These are the most important comments that support
and justify acceptance or refusal. In this section of
comments to authors, never state your opinion on whether the manuscript
should or should not be accepted, not even the possibility of acceptance
or rejection. |
2.1. Originality |
Assess originality and make a quick literature search in
the topic and authors. Assess what has been published. This is the most
common reason for refusal. |
2.2 Validity |
Check if the data are valid: sample, appropriate data
collection and analysis, sound statistics. Avoid asking for more cases
or analysis, unless it is possible. Are the results valid for other
populations? |
2.3 Relevance |
State your opinion on whether the study is relevant and
why. What is the importance of the findings in the specific area? How
does the study suit the needs of our journals' readers? |
2.4 Extras |
Comment on other strengths (well written, significant
sample size), weaknesses (inappropriate methodology, unreliable data
analysis), severe mistakes or very important limitations, extension of
the manuscript and its parts (appropriate, too short, too long). |
3. Specific comments |
List punctual formal and grammar mistakes, meaningless
sentences, correction of tables and figures, specific questions about
certain points (how participants were selected, ask more details about
the methodology, ask for specific statistic methods, express doubts
about data collection and analysis, and how measurements were taken).
Check the references (if they correspond to the text where they are
indicated and if they are in the correct order), at least some randomly.
But do not exceed in detail here. What matters most is your opinion
about the manuscript in the 'general comments' space. |
CONFIDENTIAL COMMENTS TO EDITORS |
Very important section. Do not skip it. Give your honest
opinion on the manuscript. Here the reviewer can directly state to the
editors his opinion on whether the manuscript should be accepted or
refused. Be technical, but be aware that the manuscripts submitted to
our journals usually have limitations. Avoid extreme rigidity! In your
opinion, is publishing the article a priority? If approved, should there
be an editorial about the article? State whether the manuscript requires
minor, major or more extensive reviews. In case of rejection, can the
manuscript be resubmitted after being fully rewritten (de novo
submission)? Acceptance without any review is rare, but, if that is the
case, justify! |