Single-Blind Review
nounPronunciation: /ˈsɪŋɡəl ˈblaɪnd rɪˈvjuː/
A peer review process where reviewers know the identities of authors, but authors do not know the identities of reviewers, creating asymmetrical anonymity. This approach balances accountability with reviewer protection.
Plain English
A review method where authors don't know who reviewed their work, but reviewers know who wrote the paper.
Etymology & History
Usage
"The journal uses single-blind review, so reviewers may recognize the authors' work but remain anonymous to them."
Style guide notes: Hyphenate 'single-blind' when used as adjective; 'single-blind review' is standard terminology.
Also known as
Contrasted with
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Can reviewers recognize authors in single-blind review?
Yes, experienced reviewers often recognize authors from writing style, citations, or prior knowledge of ongoing research.
Is single-blind review more fair than double-blind?
It depends on field norms; some argue it's less biased, others prefer double-blind for gender/institutional equity.
Why Test Candidates on This?
Critical for assessing understanding of peer review systems and their comparative strengths/weaknesses.
Required skill level: Junior