Reviewer Guide
A reviewer guide for Innovations in Midwifery & Child Health Practices (IMCHP) would serve as a comprehensive resource to assist peer reviewers in evaluating research manuscripts effectively. Here's a general outline for such a guide:
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Introduction to the Journal and Review Process:
- Brief overview of IMCHP's scope, mission, and objectives.
- Explanation of the peer review process employed by the journal.
- Importance of peer review in maintaining the quality and integrity of published research.
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Reviewer Responsibilities and Ethical Guidelines:
- Clear outline of the reviewer's role and responsibilities.
- Adherence to ethical standards, including confidentiality, objectivity, and avoidance of conflicts of interest.
- Guidance on providing constructive and respectful feedback to authors.
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Criteria for Evaluation:
- Detailed explanation of the criteria used to evaluate manuscripts, including:
- Originality and significance of the research question or topic.
- Methodological rigor and appropriateness of study design.
- Clarity and coherence of presentation, including writing style and organization.
- Relevance to IMCHP's scope and contribution to advancing knowledge in the field.
- Ethical considerations, including participant consent and data integrity.
- Detailed explanation of the criteria used to evaluate manuscripts, including:
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Review Process Guidelines:
- Step-by-step instructions for accessing and evaluating manuscripts through the journal's submission system.
- Recommendations for conducting a thorough review, including reading the manuscript multiple times, taking notes, and critically analyzing each section.
- Suggestions for structuring the review report, including an introductory summary, detailed comments on specific sections, and a final recommendation to the editor.
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Examples and Templates:
- Sample review reports or templates to help reviewers structure their feedback effectively.
- Examples of well-written reviews that demonstrate clear, constructive critique and suggestions for improvement.
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Resources for Reviewers:
- Links to relevant resources, such as guidelines for reporting different types of research studies (e.g., CONSORT for randomized controlled trials, STROBE for observational studies).
- References to key literature or resources on peer review best practices and ethical standards.
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Contact Information and Support:
- Contact details for the journal's editorial office or managing editor in case reviewers have questions or need assistance during the review process.
Providing reviewers with a comprehensive guide helps ensure consistency and quality in the peer review process and ultimately enhances the overall publication standards of IMCHP.