Guidelines for Reviewers

Manuscripts submitted to the Care and Human Occupation Journal (RCOH) are evaluated by at least two independent external reviewers under a double-blind peer review system, ensuring the anonymity of both authors and reviewers. Reviewers' comments constitute a fundamental tool for supporting editorial decisions regarding the acceptance, revision, or rejection of manuscripts.

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Reviewer Selection

When selecting reviewers, the editorial team considers the following criteria:

• Appropriate academic qualifications, preferably holding a doctoral degree.
• Demonstrated expertise in the subject area of the manuscript.
• Ability to evaluate manuscripts using sound scientific and academic judgment.
• Absence of conflicts of interest with the authors or institutions involved.

Reviewer Responsibilities

By accepting a review invitation, reviewers assume the following responsibilities:

• Declare any potential conflicts of interest before beginning the review.
• Decline the invitation promptly if unavailable and, whenever possible, suggest alternative reviewers.
• Complete and submit the review report within the established deadline.
• Provide an objective, impartial, and evidence-based evaluation, including specific and constructive comments.
• Inform the editorial team of any suspected misconduct or ethical concerns identified in the manuscript.
• Maintain absolute confidentiality regarding the manuscript content during and after the review process.

Timeliness of Response

Effective communication between the journal and reviewers is essential to ensure efficient, fair, and transparent editorial processes. Reviewers are expected to:

• Accept or decline the invitation within a reasonable time after reviewing the manuscript title and abstract.
• Submit the evaluation within the established deadline.
• Notify the editorial office immediately if an extension is required.
• Suggest potential alternative reviewers when they are unable to undertake the review.

Potential Conflicts of Interest

Before accepting a review assignment, reviewers must disclose any circumstance that could affect their objectivity and academic independence.

Conflicts of interest may include:

• Personal or professional relationships.
• Financial or institutional interests.
• Intellectual, ideological, or religious considerations.

If there is any uncertainty regarding a potential conflict of interest, reviewers should consult the editorial team before accepting the review assignment.

Confidentiality

All manuscripts received for review must be treated as strictly confidential documents.

• The content may not be used, disclosed, or distributed before official publication.
• Reviewers should avoid revealing their identity to the authors.
• Review reports must be prepared personally by the assigned reviewer.
• If assistance from another expert is required, prior authorization must be obtained from the Editorial Committee.
• Any additional contribution must be acknowledged in the review report.

Reporting Possible Ethical Irregularities

Reviewers should notify the editorial office of any suspicion related to:

• Plagiarism or self-plagiarism.
• Redundant or duplicate publication.
• Manipulation of data or research results.
• Failure to comply with ethical principles in research involving humans or animals.
• Any other conduct that may compromise the scientific integrity of the manuscript.

Such situations will be formally analyzed by the Editorial Committee in accordance with the journal's ethical policies.

Evaluation Criteria for Reviewers

To ensure a rigorous, objective, and transparent review process, reviewers should assess the following aspects:

• Originality and Authenticity: The manuscript should contribute new knowledge and present original findings without evidence of plagiarism or data manipulation.
• Importance and Relevance: The work should contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field of Care and Human Occupation and be relevant to the academic and professional community.
• Scientific and Methodological Rigor: The research should be well grounded, employ appropriate methodology, and present conclusions supported by the evidence obtained.
• Research Ethics: The study should comply with applicable ethical principles, particularly when involving human participants, animals, or sensitive information.
• Quality of Writing: The manuscript should demonstrate conceptual clarity, argumentative coherence, and grammatical accuracy that facilitate effective scientific communication.