1. Effective Reviewing
Brainard, D.H. How to write an effective manuscript review. Optics and Photonics News, 2000, June,
Roediger, H.L. Twelve tips for reviewers. APS Observer, 2007, 20, part 4
Sternberg, R.J. On civility in reviewing. APS Observer, 2002, 15, part 3.
Sternberg R.J (ed.) Reviewing Scientific Works in Psychology. American Psychological Association, 2006

2. Review others as you would want them to review you
Effective Reviewing
Review others as you would want them to review you
Do your fair share – we expect our own papers to be given timely and high quality reviews
Turn the review in on time
Remember that no paper is perfect – avoid a ‘find the fatal flaw’ mind-set

3. Effective Reviewing
Don’t go overboard summarizing the paper – couple of sentences focusing on the main point
Big picture first – summarize your conclusion and, briefly, its rationale. Focus on whether the paper tackles an important topic, and whether the findings and their interpretation advance the field (or could potentially do so). Expand on the reasons for your conclusion in a series of paragraphs that each deal with one concern or issue
Don’t be picky or get bogged down in minor details. A reviewer is not a copy-editor
Resist the temptation to re-write the paper – restrict recommendations for revision to those necessary to address your significant concerns
Be constructive and respectful even when being critical - avoid patronizing or sarcastic comments that imply you’re smart and the authors are not