Keywords

Peer review; reviewer behavior; feedback quality; survey research; review consistency

Abstract

Peer review plays a critical role in advancing the field of psychology; however, limited empirical research has examined psychologists’ experiences with the peer review process. The present study investigated both positive and negative peer review experiences among industrial and organizational (I/O) psychologists and assessed the prevalence of specific reviewer behaviors. A two-phase survey design was administered via Qualtrics. Study 1 employed open-ended questions to identify recurring themes in researchers’ experiences with peer review. Thematic analysis revealed distinct positive and negative patterns of reviewer behavior, which informed the development of Study 2.

Study 2 quantitatively assessed the prevalence of behaviors associated with the themes identified in Study 1. Results indicated that positive peer review behaviors were reported more frequently than negative behaviors overall. However, negative experiences were sufficiently common to raise concerns about the overall quality and consistency of the peer review process. Although many participants described constructive and developmental feedback, reports of unprofessional, vague, or overly critical reviews suggest meaningful room for improvement in reviewer training and editorial oversight.

These findings contribute to the limited literature examining peer review experiences within industrial and organizational psychology. Improving the quality, professionalism, and constructiveness of peer feedback may enhance researcher development, strengthen manuscript quality, and increase confidence in the integrity and reliability of the publication process.

Thesis Completion Year

2026

Thesis Completion Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair

Bowling, Nathan

College

College of Health Professions and Sciences

Department

Department of Psychology

Thesis Discipline

Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus Access

None

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

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