Red Flags Reviewers Should Never Ignore

Peer review is at the heart of credible research, and as a peer reviewer, you are a guardian of quality and integrity, helping ensure that every manuscript you assess has been rigorously evaluated. This means that you need to identify potential issues in a manuscript. however, not every red flag is obvious, and it is possible that you may miss it. Here are a few red flags you should not ignore as a peer reviewer.

1. Inconsistencies in data and methodology

One of the first signs that something may be off in a manuscript comes from the data and methodology. Inconsistent numbers, missing details, or results that seem too perfect can indicate errors, poor research design, or even manipulation. If a study does not provide enough information to reproduce its results, take this gap seriously. Ask authors to clarify methods or provide raw data to ensure that their research can be trusted and built upon.

2. Ethical concerns

Ethical breaches can take many forms, from missing informed consent and undeclared conflicts of interest to plagiarized sections and problematic references. Pay close attention to studies involving human or animal subjects, clinical trials, or sensitive data. Red flags may include vague descriptions of participant recruitment, unusual consent procedures, or a lack of ethical approvals. Addressing these issues promptly protects participants, authors, and the credibility of the journal. Issues such as plagiarism, image manipulation, references to retracted papers, or suspiciously repetitive content are also red flags. However, note that not all ethical breaches are intentional. Often, authors are unaware of their mistakes and by pointing the issues out, you can help steer them in the right direction.

3. Authorship and citation problems

Unusual patterns in authorship or references can signal deeper problems. Excessive self-citation or irrelevant references may indicate that the information in the manuscript is being manipulated to boost credentials or visibility. Similarly, watch for inconsistencies in author contributions or missing affiliations. Highlighting these concerns for the author and editor will help you ensure fairness and transparency.

4. Poor language and presentation

The way a manuscript is written can also be indicative of potential issues. Overly polished text that seems inconsistent with the data, abrupt shifts in style, or repeated phrases may hide shortcuts or errors. While every author has a unique writing style, multiple inconsistencies should prompt closer scrutiny. However, remember that poorly written manuscripts are not a red flag. For many authors English is not their first language. Natural errors in writing should not be mistaken for poor quality.

Know when to escalate concerns

Sometimes, despite your careful review, a manuscript raises questions that go beyond your expertise. In these cases, escalate your concerns to the editor or journal team. Be clear, objective, and professional in your explanation, focusing on the specific red flags you observed. Escalating issues does not indicate your distrust of the author; it means thar you are doing your part in maintaining the integrity and reliability of published research.

If you want to connect with a community of like-minded reviewers and gain access to resources that will help you become a better peer reviewer, join ReviewerOne today. Collaborate, learn, and contribute to raising the standard of peer review in research.