Peer Review Process
RRJSS follows a rigorous double-blind peer review process to ensure the quality, objectivity, and fairness of published research. The double-blind peer review process include:
- Manuscript Submission:
- Authors submit their manuscripts electronically through the RRJSS online platform.
- Manuscripts are anonymized by removing all author and institutional information (including file properties and metadata).
- Initial Screening:
- The editor-in-chief or associate editors initially screen the manuscripts for compliance with journal guidelines, formatting requirements, and originality (using plagiarism detection software).
- Manuscripts that do not meet the basic criteria are promptly rejected with specific feedback.
- Peer Review:
- The editor-in-chief assigns each manuscript to at least two qualified reviewers based on their expertise and research interests.
- Reviewers are chosen from a pool of experienced academics who are not affiliated with the author(s) or their institution (double-blind review).
- Reviewers receive the anonymized manuscript along with clear instructions, evaluation criteria, and a conflict-of-interest form.
- Reviewers independently assess the manuscript based on the following criteria:
- Originality and significance of the research
- Soundness of methodology and data analysis
- Clarity and organization of the writing
- Relevance to the journal's scope and interests
- Quality of references and citations
- Reviewers submit detailed review reports, including specific recommendations for revision or rejection. These reports are anonymized to maintain reviewer confidentiality.
- Editorial Decision:
- The editor-in-chief, along with the associate editors, considers the reviewers' reports and makes a final decision on the manuscript.
- Decisions can be:
- Acceptance without revision
- Acceptance with minor revisions
- Major revisions required
- Rejection
- Authors receive the editor's decision and anonymized reviewer reports (without reviewer names).
- For manuscripts requiring revisions, authors are expected to address the reviewers' comments and submit a revised manuscript within a specified timeframe.
- The editor-in-chief makes the final decision based on the quality of the revisions and reviewer assessments.
- Publication:
- Accepted manuscripts undergo copyediting and proofreading to ensure accuracy and adherence to journal style guidelines.
- Accepted authors are required to sign a copyright transfer agreement.
- The final article is published online and included in the next issue of RRJSS.
Moreover:
- RRJSS adheres to ethical guidelines for scholarly publishing, including confidentiality, conflict-of-interest disclosure, and plagiarism prevention.
- The journal welcomes feedback from authors and reviewers on the peer-review process to continuously improve its quality and efficiency.
- RRJSS uses a plagiarism detection software to screen manuscripts for originality. Authors are expected to ensure the originality of their work and cite sources appropriately.
This detailed description of RRJSS's double-blind peer review process demonstrates its commitment to publishing high-quality research with objectivity, transparency, and fairness.