Whether you are an author, a reviewer, or a perspective journal editor, understanding the variety of peer review formats is crucial. This is important for 1) understanding the parameters of the process that you are directly involved in and 2) informing your decisions on which format you feel you want to promote and support as an active member of the scientific community. We outline the common, basic formats below.
- Single blind: author identity known to the reviewer; reviewer is anonymous
- Double blind: author identity unknown to the reviewer; reviewer is anonymous
- Open：Open identity: reviewer is identified
Open report: reviewer reports and author responses are published with the manuscript on the journal website
*A journal may use only one type, or use a mixture of these types by giving authors and reviewers a choice.
Keep in mind that only open formats allow for reviewers to receive recognition and credit for their contributions. Additionally, only open reports allow you to share your review in a way that you can receive feedback, critique, and credit.