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| Journals > Information for JAVMA reviewers > Factors to consider when reviewing manuscripts |
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| Factors to consider when evaluating original studies |
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Overview
Importance
- Is the purpose of the study clear and is the objective of the study relevant?
- Are there sufficient new and important findings to warrant publication?
- Has any or all of the information in the manuscript been published previously?
Experimental methods
- Are experimental methods appropriate for the study?
Interpretation
- Do the data support the conclusions?
Presentation
- Is the writing clear, concise, and readable?
- Should any sections of the manuscript be expanded, condensed, or eliminated?
- Have authors used abbreviations or jargon to excess?
Specific Manuscript Sections
Title
- Is the title a clear, accurate representation of the article's content?
Abstract
- Is the abstract a clear, concise (< 250 words), accurate representation of the major findings of
the study?
Introduction
- Is the introduction focused on relevant aspects of the topic and not just a literature review?
- Is the reason for performing the study clearly stated?
Materials and Methods
- Is the study design valid and are experimental methods appropriate?
- Are experimental methods described in sufficient detail?
- Are methods for selecting test and control subjects appropriate?
- Were animals treated humanely?
- Do authors address potential confounders and biases in subject selection?
- Are statistical methods valid?
Results
- Are data presented in a clear and understandable manner?
- Do authors account for all animals?
- Are the results credible?
- Are calculations correct (please scan and spot check)?
- Do tables, text, and figures agree with and complement each other?
- Are all tables and figures necessary or is there repetition of material?
- Is the figure quality adequate?
Discussion
- Are any results mentioned for the first time in the discussion?
- Do the authors interpret the data rather than simply restating the results?
- Are strengths and weaknesses of the methods used acknowledged?
- Are any ideas or conclusions over- or underemphasized?
- Do the authors provide a balanced view of the importance of the results?
- Do the authors cite relevant work of others?
- Are all conclusions supported by the results?
- Are any key issues not addressed?
- Is all of the discussion relevant?
- Do the authors make any recommendations not supported by their data or beyond the scope of the study?
References
- Are citations and quotations correct (please scan and spot check)?
- Are all references pertinent or are some inconsequential?
- Have any important references been omitted (please provide citations)?
Factors to consider when reviewing manuscripts
- Original Study
- Retrospective Study
- Clinical Report
- Descriptive Report
- What Is Your Diagnosis?
Version: April 9, 2003
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American Veterinary Medical Association
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= AVMA/SAVMA Members Only