Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026
05:21
Author Spotlight: Training of Laboratory Animals for Gentle and Stress-Free Handling
Published on: February 16, 2024
2.5K
A structured, journal-led peer-review mentoring program enhances peer review training
Ariel Maia Lyons-Warren1, Whitley W Aamodt2, Kathleen M Pieper3
1Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neurology; Clinical Care Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA. lyonswar@bcm.edu.
Research Integrity and Peer Review
|March 8, 2024
Summary
A structured mentored peer-review program significantly improved trainee skills and confidence in manuscript review. This training enhances understanding of publication science and leads to high mentor satisfaction.
Area of Science:
- Scientific Publishing
- Academic Medicine
- Research Integrity
Background:
- Peer review is crucial for scientific advancement but lacks standardized training.
- Current peer review training methods are often unorganized and understudied.
- A structured approach to peer review training is needed to improve quality and consistency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a structured mentored peer-review program.
- To assess improvements in peer review skills using quantitative and qualitative measures.
- To determine the impact of mentorship on trainee understanding of the publication process.
Main Methods:
- A pre-post intervention study involving 55 mentees across 5 cohorts (2020-2023).
- Mentees underwent 2 mentored reviews over 6 months, with pre- and post-program assessments.
- Outcomes included the modified Review Quality Index (mRQI), mentee self-perception surveys, and mentor satisfaction.
Main Results:
- Mentees showed significant improvement in mRQI scores post-program (median 31 vs. 26.6).
- Self-perceived understanding of review and editorial processes, and confidence in manuscript review, increased significantly (p < 0.0001).
- Mentors reported high satisfaction with the program, enjoyment, and interest in repeat participation.
Conclusions:
- A 6-month structured mentored peer-review program effectively enhances peer review training.
- The program improves the quality of reviews as measured by mRQI and boosts mentee confidence.
- High mentor satisfaction indicates the program's feasibility and positive impact on the scientific community.
Related Concept Videos
01:43Proofreading
Synthesis of new DNA molecules starts when DNA polymerase links nucleotides together in a sequence that is complementary to the template DNA strand. DNA polymerase has a higher affinity for the correct base to ensure fidelity in DNA replication. The DNA polymerase furthermore proofreads during replication, using an exonuclease domain that cuts off incorrect nucleotides from the nascent DNA strand.Errors during Replication Are Corrected by the DNA Polymerase EnzymeGenomic DNA is synthesized in...
01:35Long-term Potentiation
Long-term potentiation, or LTP, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTP is the process of synaptic strengthening that occurs over time between pre- and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic strengthening of LTP works in opposition to the synaptic weakening of long-term depression (LTD) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
01:01Feedback Loops
In most cases, excessive hormone production is prevented by negative feedback—a loop that starts with a stimulus inducing the release of a particular substance, like a hormone, to maintain a certain level before triggering a signal that results in a decrease in further release of the hormone.
01:29Self-Evaluation Maintenance Model
The Self-Evaluation Maintenance (SEM) model offers a psychological framework to understand how individuals’ self-esteem is influenced by the achievements of others, particularly those with whom they share close personal bonds. The SEM model operates when personal rather than social identity guides individuals. Central to this model is the notion that individuals have an inherent desire to preserve a favorable self-image, which is continuously shaped by interpersonal comparisons and...
00:46Feedback Inhibition
Biochemical reactions are occurring constantly in cells, converting starting substances to different products, usually with the help of enzymes that speed the reactions. Without enzymes, it would take far too long for most reactions to occur to be useful to the cell!
03:00Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Social psychologists have documented that feeling good about ourselves and maintaining positive self-esteem is a powerful motivator of human behavior (Tavris & Aronson, 2008). In the United States, members of the predominant culture typically think very highly of themselves and view themselves as good people who are above average on many desirable traits (Ehrlinger, Gilovich, & Ross, 2005). Often, our behavior, attitudes, and beliefs are affected when we experience a threat to our...