Bias in Peer Review

Bias in peer review refers to the tendency for reviewers to favor certain ideas, approaches, or researchers over others, which can affect the fairness and quality of the evaluation process. This bias may stem from familiarity with certain authors, institutional affiliations, or even personal beliefs. As a result, potentially groundbreaking research might be overlooked, while less innovative work may receive undue praise. Such bias can influence what gets published in academic journals, ultimately shaping the knowledge landscape in ways that may not reflect true merit or value. Addressing this bias is essential for maintaining the integrity of scientific discourse.