Peer Review Process

Peer review (expert evaluation) of manuscripts in the journal Scientific Studios on Social and Political Psychology is conducted to ensure a high scientific and theoretical standard of publications, to provide an objective assessment of the submitted material, and to verify compliance with scientific, literary, and ethical standards. The purpose of peer review is to facilitate careful selection of manuscripts for publication and to ensure their adherence to criteria of scientific value, relevance, and practical significance. All reviewers are required to act objectively and to comply with the provisions outlined in the journal’s Publication Ethics section.

The journal employs a double-blind (anonymous) peer review process: reviewers do not have access to the personal data of authors, and authors do not know the identities of reviewers. Submitted scientific articles first undergo plagiarism checks and verification of compliance with the Terms of Publication. Only manuscripts that meet the Formatting Guidelines and pass initial editorial control and copyright checks proceed to review.

Initial assessment of a manuscript is conducted by the Editor-in-Chief or their Deputy. In cases where the Editor-in-Chief has a personal interest in the manuscript (being an author or co-author, having familial or professional connections with the authors, or having interests related to products or services mentioned in the manuscript), the assessment is conducted by the Deputy Editor-in-Chief or another editorial board member without a conflict of interest. Submitted materials must align with the journal’s scientific scope. If a manuscript meets publication requirements, it is forwarded to the Technical Editor, who assigns a registration code and removes all author information to ensure anonymity.

The anonymised manuscript is then sent by email to the editorial board member responsible for the article’s scientific field and to two independent external experts (reviewers). External reviewers include Ukrainian and international doctors of science specialised in the same research field as the authors. Reviewers must not be affiliated with the authors’ institutions and must have no conflict of interest.

During the review process, reviewers assess:

• the alignment of the manuscript’s content with the topic stated in the title;
• the relevance and novelty of the scientific problem;
• justification of the practical significance of the research;
• value for a broad readership.

After evaluation, reviewers may:

• recommend the manuscript for publication;
• recommend publication after minor revisions;
• recommend publication after major revisions;
• advise against publication.

If reviewers suggest rejection or revision, they provide a written justification for their decision. Reviews, signed electronically or physically by the reviewers, are retained in the editorial office for three years from the publication date of the issue in which the reviewed article appears.

The editorial board’s decision is communicated to the authors. Manuscripts requiring revision are returned with the review text, but reviewers’ identities are not disclosed. Revised manuscripts undergo re-review, during which reviewers may recommend additional changes. Revisions do not guarantee acceptance, and if the revisions are deemed insufficient, the manuscript may be rejected.

The Editor-in-Chief analyses the reviews and makes the final publication decision, taking into account all recommendations and compliance with journal requirements. In cases of a conflict of interest regarding a particular manuscript (when the editor is an author, co-author, has familial or professional connections with the authors, or has personal interests related to the material), the final decision is made by the Deputy Editor-in-Chief, and the manuscript undergoes independent review without the involvement of the editor or their research group.

These measures ensure the objectivity and transparency of the peer review process, minimise the risk of bias and conflicts of interest, and guarantee compliance with international standards of scientific publication.