If you can’t be kind in peer review, be neutral

Description

This article emphasizes the importance of neutral, objective language in peer review. It advises reviewers to avoid emotive words, expressive punctuation, and stylistic choices that convey personal bias, such as rhetorical questions or subjective adjectives. Instead, reviewers should focus on constructive criticism to maintain objectivity and professionalism. The article also highlights how subtle language choices can influence the tone of a review, which could unfairly affect the outcome of the evaluation process. If kindness is difficult, neutrality should be the goal in scientific communication.

More information

Article Website: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-03394-y