Peer review: the case for neutral language

Trends Cogn Sci. 2021 Aug;25(8):639-641. doi: 10.1016/j.tics.2021.05.003. Epub 2021 Jun 2.

Abstract

Peer review is an integral part of scientific life, determining success in publishing, grant applications, and professional appointments. We argue for the importance of neutral language in peer review and provide examples of nonneutral linguistic and stylistic devices that emphasize a reviewer's personal response to the manuscript rather than their objective assessment.

Keywords: bias; dissemination; funding; publishing; scientific communication.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Language*
  • Linguistics
  • Peer Review, Research*
  • Publishing