What is a responsibility of reviewers when evaluating manuscripts?

Reviewers play a critical role in the manuscript evaluation process by providing thoughtful and constructive feedback that enhances the quality of the research being presented. One of their key responsibilities is to identify both the positive and negative aspects of a manuscript. This balanced assessment allows authors to recognize the strengths of their work as well as areas that require improvement.

By suggesting enhancements, reviewers contribute to the overall scientific discourse and help ensure that the research meets the necessary standards before publication. This comprehensive approach not only aids authors in refining their manuscripts but also benefits the academic community by promoting robust and credible research findings.

In contrast, the other options do not cover the full scope of a reviewer’s responsibilities. Writing a summary of personal opinions may not provide the objective insight needed for improvement, focusing solely on statistical errors limits the review to a narrow aspect of the research, and looking only for major flaws overlooks the importance of nuanced feedback that can help elevate the overall quality of the work.