double-blind review
nounPronunciation: /ˈdʌbəl blaɪnd rɪˈvjuː/
Also written as: DBR
A peer review process where both the reviewer's and author's identities are concealed from each other. This method aims to reduce bias and ensure objective evaluation of submitted manuscripts.
Full Definition
Double-blind review is a peer review system where neither the reviewers nor the authors know each other's identities during the manuscript evaluation process. Authors must remove all identifying information from their submissions, including names, affiliations, and self-citations that could reveal their identity. Reviewers evaluate the work without knowledge of who wrote it, while authors receive anonymous feedback. This system is designed to minimize various forms of bias including gender, institutional, geographical, and personal biases that might influence the review process. Many journals in social sciences and some STEM fields use this approach to promote fairness and objectivity in scholarly publishing.
Plain English
A review system where researchers don't know who is reviewing their work, and reviewers don't know whose work they're reviewing, to make the process fairer.
In Editorial Context
A review management protocol requiring editorial oversight of manuscript anonymization, reviewer selection procedures, and communication channels to maintain confidentiality throughout the evaluation workflow.
Etymology & History
Developed as an evolution of single-blind review to address concerns about bias in peer review, particularly regarding gender, institutional prestige, and personal relationships in academic evaluation.
Gained prominence as awareness of bias in academic publishing increased, though implementation varies significantly across disciplines and journals.
Usage
"Our journal has adopted a double-blind review process to ensure that all submissions are evaluated solely on their scientific merit, regardless of author identity or institutional affiliation."
Usage note: Requires careful manuscript preparation by authors to remove identifying information and diligent editorial oversight to maintain anonymity.
Context: peer review policies, manuscript submission guidelines, editorial procedures
Region: international
Also known as
Contrasted with
Don't confuse with
Often confused with single-blind review where only author identity is hidden from reviewers, but reviewer identity is known to editors