Peer review is a key part of the scientific method that serves as a quality control/gate keeping function.

Most journals and funding agencies use some form of peer review.

Reviewers have the following ethical responsibilities:

• Maintain confidentiality
• Not use, disclose, or take advantage of confidential information without permission
• Disclose conflicts of interest
• Be professional: give constructive criticism and avoid unprofessional remarks, do not delay your review unnecessarily
• Be fair and unbiased
• Be competent: do not agree to do a review that is beyond your expertise