J Korean Med Sci.  2014 Nov;29(11):1450-1452. 10.3346/jkms.2014.29.11.1450.

Safeguarding the Integrity of Science Communication by Restraining 'Rational Cheating' in Peer Review

• Barroga EF

• KMID: 2069923
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2014.29.11.1450

Abstract

Peer review is the pillar of the integrity of science communication. It is often beset with flaws as well as accusations of unreliability and lack of predictive validity. 'Rational cheating' by reviewers is a threat to the validity of peer review. It may diminish the value of good papers by unfavourable appraisals of the reviewers whose own works have lower scientific merits. This article analyzes the mechanics and defects of peer review and focuses on rational cheating in peer review, its implications, and options to restrain it.

Keyword

Peer Review; Rational Cheating; Reviewer; Science Communication

MeSH Terms

Peer Review, Research/*ethics
Societies, Medical/ethics