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