8. Reviewer bias or competitive harmful acts by reviewers

How it works

To find out if a case, or suspected case of ethics abuse, falls within the category of this tree, please consult the definitions provided under ‘What identifies a case in this area?’ If it does, the recommended action of this tree can be followed. This tree furthermore provides:

  • Case studies.
  • References to the relevant form letters (examples of appropriate letters for various situations).
  • Flow charts from COPE, here named ‘COPE charts’. These are available for a second opinion. This is often the time for the editor to discuss the case with his/her publishing contact within Elsevier and agree what action, if any, needs to be taken.
  • References to relevant Elsevier policies/links.

< Back to all decision trees


What identifies a case in this area?

Recommended action
       

Case studies

External link  1: Submission of a paper by a reviewer
External link  2: Reviewer/author conflict of interest
External link  3: Referee with a conflict of interest

COPE charts

External link  NOTE
External link  What to do if you suspect a reviewer has appropriated an author's ideas or data?

Relevant Elsevier policies/links

External link  Duties of reviewers
External link  Elsevier policy on article withdrawal

 

Printer-friendly version   Printer-friendly version