Case 78. The "Small Circles" Problem

Situation

Jane Jenkins is the editor of a peer-reviewed, sociology journal. She has received a submission from a sociologist whose work lies in a very specialized area. She is well acquainted with the handful of researchers who work in this area but is concerned with the small area but is concerned with the small pool of potential reviewers. The scholars in the area are well informed about each others' work and blind reviewing is almost impossible.

Questions

1.    What kinds of problems does Jane Jenkins face?
2.    How might she resolve this dilemma?


     Reflect on the above questions and form your own answers before clicking the Discussion key to review the commentary provided with this case.

Discussion

The general principle that reviews should be done by knowledgeable scholars is as compelling in a highly specialized field as in any other. The editor faces two issues: overworking a small pool of scholars and making certain that the pool's knowledge of each others' work will not bias their evaluations. As a check on objectivity, the editor might ask a seasoned generalist for a third review on the paper's theoretical significance. To lighten the work load, the editor might explore potential reviewers from related disciplines.