Peer Review Process

 

The Journal of Interdisciplinary Human Studies (JIHS) operates a double-blind peer review system. Neither authors nor reviewers will know each other’s identities during the review process. This ensures impartiality, academic integrity, and objective evaluation.

The peer review process proceeds through the following steps:

  1. Submission of Manuscript
    The corresponding author submits the manuscript through the journal’s online submission system.

  2. Initial Editorial Office Check
    The Editorial Office screens the submission to ensure it complies with the journal’s Author Guidelines, formatting standards, and ethical requirements.
    This stage does not include an evaluation of academic quality.

  3. Editor-in-Chief Preliminary Evaluation
    The Editor-in-Chief assesses whether the manuscript fits the journal’s scope, thematic focus, and minimum scholarly standards.
    Manuscripts may be desk-rejected at this stage.

  4. Assignment to Section / Associate Editor
    If the manuscript passes the initial evaluation, it may be assigned to a Section Editor or Associate Editor who will oversee the peer review process.

  5. Selection and Invitation of Reviewers
    The handling editor invites two (2) qualified reviewers with relevant subject expertise. If necessary, additional reviewers may be invited.

  6. Reviewer Response
    Potential reviewers assess whether:

    • The topic matches their expertise,

    • There is no conflict of interest,

    • They are available to complete the review.
      Reviewers may accept or decline the invitation.

  7. Peer Review Evaluation
    Reviewers examine the manuscript carefully and provide:

    • A structured critique,

    • Recommendations for improvement,

    • A clear recommendation (accept, minor revision, major revision, or reject).
      Reviews must be professional, objective, and constructive.

  8. Editorial Decision Based on Reviews
    The handling editor evaluates the reviewers’ comments and recommendations.
    If the reviews contradict each other substantially, an additional review may be requested.

  9. Decision Communication to Author
    The editorial decision (accept, revise, or reject) along with anonymized reviewer comments is communicated to the author.
    Authors must address all reviewer comments when submitting revised manuscripts.

  10. Final Steps

  • If accepted: The manuscript proceeds to copyediting, layout, and publication stages.

  • If revision is required: The author must resubmit the revised version within the indicated timeframe. The revised version may be re-evaluated by the original reviewers.

  • If rejected: Authors may submit to another journal, but resubmission to JIHS requires substantial changes and editorial approval.

Reviewer Guidance

Reviewers represent the scholarly readership of the journal. Their task is to evaluate:

  • Originality and academic contribution,

  • Theoretical grounding and methodology,

  • Clarity of argument and structure,

  • Proper use of sources and citation ethics.

Reviews must be respectful, impartial, and free of personal bias.