Skip to main content
Basic Technical IVT Commonly tested

Double-blind peer review

noun phrase

Pronunciation: /ˈdʌbəl ˈblaɪnd pɪr rɪˈvjuː/

A review process where both the reviewer and author identities remain concealed from each other throughout evaluation. This mechanism aims to reduce bias and ensure objective assessment of scholarly work based solely on merit.

Plain English

A review method where neither the author nor reviewer knows who the other person is.

Etymology & History

Origin languageEnglish
Rootdouble (two-fold) + blind (without sight/knowledge) + peer (equal) + review (examination)
First recorded use1970s
Usage frequencyVery common

Usage

"The journal implemented double-blind peer review to minimize reviewer bias in assessing manuscript quality."

Style guide notes: Hyphenate 'double-blind' when used as a compound adjective before a noun.

Also known as

anonymous peer review masked review

Contrasted with

single-blind review open peer review

Related Terms

Frequently Asked Questions

How does double-blind peer review differ from single-blind review?

Double-blind hides both identities; single-blind hides only the reviewer's identity from the author.

What are the main benefits of double-blind peer review?

It reduces bias, prevents favoritism, and ensures manuscripts are evaluated purely on scientific merit.

Why Test Candidates on This?

Essential for understanding quality control mechanisms in academic publishing and research evaluation.

Required skill level: Junior

Editors from these organisations have used our services since 1998

Reuters BBC Oxford University Press Penguin Random House Springer Microsoft Suncor Energy United Nations Fisher Investments IBM The Home Depot KODAK CHEVRON