Reviewer Guidelines

Reviewer Guidelines

Journal of Contemporary and Applied Social Sciences (JCAS)
Review Type: Anonymous Reviewer / Anonymous Author (Double-Blind Review)

1. Purpose of the Review

The review process is a vital part of maintaining the academic and ethical standards of JCAS. Reviewers are expected to provide constructive, objective, and unbiased feedback that helps editors decide whether a submission meets the journal’s quality and relevance criteria.

2. Anonymity and Confidentiality

  • JCAS follows a double-blind peer review policy. Reviewers must not reveal their identity to authors at any stage.

  • Manuscripts and related materials are confidential and must not be shared, discussed, or used for any other purpose.

  • Reviewers should immediately inform the editor if they recognize the author or believe a conflict of interest exists.

3. Evaluation Criteria

When reviewing a manuscript, please assess the following aspects:

a. Originality and Relevance

  • Does the paper make a novel contribution to social sciences?

  • Is the topic relevant to the scope and aims of JCAS?

b. Clarity and Organization

  • Is the argument logically structured and clearly presented?

  • Are tables, figures, and references accurate and appropriate?

c. Methodology and Rigor

  • Is the research design sound and the analysis methodologically correct?

  • Are results and conclusions supported by evidence?

d. Ethical and Scholarly Standards

  • Has the author acknowledged sources appropriately?

  • Is the manuscript free from plagiarism, ethical misconduct, or data fabrication?

4. Reviewer’s Recommendation

After completing your evaluation, please select one of the following recommendations:

  • Accept as it is

  • Accept with minor revisions

  • Major revisions required

  • Reject (unsuitable for publication)

Each recommendation must be supported by a clear justification and, where possible, specific suggestions for improvement.

5. Tone and Professional Conduct

  • Comments should be respectful, specific, and constructive.

  • Avoid personal remarks, judgmental language, or speculation about the author’s background.

  • Suggestions should guide the author toward improving clarity, academic value, and overall quality.

6. Timeliness

Reviewers are requested to complete the review within 14 days of accepting the invitation.
If more time is needed, please notify the editor immediately to avoid delays in the publication process.

7. Conflicts of Interest

Reviewers must decline the review if:

  • There is a personal, professional, or financial connection with the author(s);

  • They have contributed to the same project; or

  • They have prior knowledge of the manuscript or its data.

8. Ethical Reminder

All manuscripts and supplementary materials are the property of the author(s) and JCAS until publication.
Unauthorized use, sharing, or citation of unpublished materials is strictly prohibited.

9. Reviewer Acknowledgment

By accepting the review invitation, reviewers confirm that they will follow the ethical and professional guidelines outlined above and uphold the standards of JCAS’s peer-review integrity.