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Basic Technical IVT Commonly tested

Double-blind review process

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈdʌbəl ˈblaɪnd rɪˈvjuː ˈprəʊsɛs/

A peer review methodology where neither the reviewers nor the authors' identities are revealed to each other throughout the evaluation process. This anonymity is intended to reduce bias and ensure merit-based assessment of submitted manuscripts.

Plain English

A review system where authors and reviewers don't know each other's identities to keep evaluations fair.

Etymology & History

Origin languageEnglish
Rootdouble (two-way) + blind (concealed) + review (assessment) + process (procedure)
First recorded use1960s
Usage frequencyVery common

Usage

"Our journal maintains a double-blind review process to minimize potential biases related to author reputation or institutional affiliation."

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

Also known as

mutual anonymity review reciprocal anonymity

Contrasted with

open review single-blind review

Related Terms

Frequently Asked Questions

How do editors maintain anonymity in double-blind review?

Author names are removed from submissions, and reviewer identities are protected throughout the evaluation.

What are advantages of double-blind review over open review?

It reduces personal bias, prevents reviewer retaliation, and ensures evaluation focuses on manuscript quality.

Why Test Candidates on This?

Double-blind review is fundamental to research ethics and appears across editorial policy and quality assurance assessments.

Required skill level: Mid

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