MARI Peer Review Course

This course provides a comprehensive overview of peer reviewing and equips participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively review general public articles. The course covers the importance and purpose of peer review, the roles and responsibilities of peer reviewers, and ethical considerations in the peer-reviewing process. Participants will gain an understanding of general public articles, including their characteristics, target audience, and differences from scholarly articles. They will learn how to assess article quality and validity by evaluating sources, information accuracy, and potential biases or conflicts of interest. The course also focuses on developing communication and feedback skills for providing clear and constructive feedback to authors and addressing controversies or sensitive topics in a balanced manner. Participants will learn about scientific rigour and methodology, including understanding research methodologies commonly used in general public articles, assessing study designs, and identifying limitations and sources of bias. Evaluating clarity and readability is emphasized, covering the assessment of article organization, writing coherence, and ensuring accessibility for a general audience. Fact-checking and verifying information techniques are taught, along with addressing misinformation and conflicts with evidence-based information. Lastly, legal and copyright considerations are explored, covering intellectual property, fair use, attribution guidelines, and identifying potential legal risks or liabilities. By completing this course, participants will be equipped to engage in effective peer reviewing of general public articles while upholding ethical, legal, and quality standards.

Table of contents

1. Introduction to Peer Reviewing

1.1) Importance and purpose of peer review

1.2) Roles and responsibilities of a peer reviewer

1.3) Ethical Considerations in peer reviewing

2. Understanding General Public Articles

   2.1) Characteristics and target audience of general public articles

   2.2) Differences between scholarly articles and general public articles

   2.3) Challenges and considerations when reviewing general public articles

3. Assessing Article Quality and Validity

   3.1) Evaluating the reliability of sources and references

    3.2) Assessing the accuracy of information presented

    3.3) Identifying potential biases or conflicts of interest

4. Communication and Feedback Skills

    4.1) Effective written communication for general audiences

    4.2) Providing clear and constructive feedback to authors

    4.3) Addressing potential controversies or sensitive topics in a balanced      manner

5. Scientific Rigor and Methodology

    5.1) Understanding research methodologies commonly used in general public articles

    5.2) Assessing the appropriateness and robustness of study designs.

    5.3) Identifying limitations and potential sources of bias

6. Evaluating Clarity and Readability

    6.1) Assessing the organization and structure of the article

    6.2) Reviewing the clarity and coherence of the writing

    6.3) Ensuring the article is accessible and understandable to a general audience

7. Fact-Checking and Verifying Information

    7.1) Fact-checking methods and tools for general public articles

    7.2) Verifying accuracy through reputable sources

    7.3) Addressing misinformation and potential conflicts with evidence-based information

8. Legal and Copyright Considerations

    8.1) Intellectual property and copyright issues in peer reviewing

    8.2) Ensuring compliance with fair use and attribution guidelines

    8.3) Identifying potential legal risks or liabilities