Peer Review Process

The peer review process is a critical component of the scholarly publishing process, including JAFI. It ensures that the research articles published in the journal meet high standards of quality, accuracy, and validity. The peer review process involves the evaluation of manuscripts by independent experts in the relevant field of study, known as "peer-reviewers." Here is a description of the peer review process:

1. Submission: Authors submit their research manuscripts to the journal through an online submission system. The manuscript typically includes the research findings, methodology, analysis, and conclusions.
2. Editorial Assessment: Upon submission, the journal's editors assess the manuscript's suitability for publication. They review factors such as adherence to the journal's scope, formatting guidelines, and ethical considerations. Manuscripts that do not meet the journal's criteria may be rejected at this stage.
3. Reviewer Assignment: The editors identify and assign appropriate peer reviewers if the manuscript passes the initial assessment. Reviewers are selected based on their expertise, knowledge, and qualifications in the manuscript's specific subject area.
4. Peer Review: The assigned reviewers evaluate the manuscript in detail. They assess various aspects, including the originality of the research, methodology, data analysis, results interpretation, and overall scientific rigor. Reviewers may provide feedback, suggestions, and recommendations for improving the manuscript. JAFI employs a double-masked review process. In this type of review, the identities of both the authors and the reviewers are kept confidential. The purpose is to reduce bias and ensure that the evaluation of the manuscript is based solely on its scientific merit.
5. Reviewer Recommendations: Reviewers provide their recommendations to the journal's editors after reviewing the manuscript. The recommendations can include acceptance, revision with major or minor changes, or rejection. Reviewers' comments are typically confidential and only shared with the authors and journal editors.
6. Author Revisions: If revisions are required, the authors address the reviewers' comments and revise the manuscript accordingly. They may provide a detailed response to each comment, explaining how they have addressed the issues raised.
7. Editorial Decision: The journal's editors make the final decision regarding publication based on the reviewers' recommendations and the revised manuscript. They consider the reviewers' feedback, the manuscript's scientific merit, and its alignment with the journal's scope.
8. Publication: If the manuscript is accepted, it undergoes copyediting and formatting to ensure consistency and clarity. It is then published in the journal, either in print or online, depending on the journal's publishing format.

The peer review process aims to uphold the quality and integrity of scholarly publications. It provides a mechanism for quality control, helps identify and rectify errors or flaws in the research, and ensures that published articles contribute meaningfully to the field. Additionally, the anonymity of the peer review process allows for an unbiased evaluation and promotes constructive criticism.

It is important to note that the peer review process is not infallible and does not guarantee the absolute accuracy or significance of published articles. However, it is an essential step in maintaining JAFI's scholarly integrity and reputation.