The multiple faces of journal peer review

摘要

There is probably no case that has shaped the academic world as much as the institution of the peer-review system. Peer review of scholarly work has existed for centuries (Kronick 1990, and references therein); however, its use across all fields of science and academia is the result of seeking consensus in quality standards of published work, a process that has mainly developed throughout the second half of the 20th century. Today, even graduate students have a perception of the use and impact of peer review in science, and its importance on one's personal career perspectives. Originally aiming to improve the quality of publishing in academic journals, peer review has become part of many aspects of the academic process, ranging from the assessment of research proposals and reports, to performance assessment and promotion processes of the peers themselves.