How can one find transparency information on peer review in a journal?

Locating peer review transparency information requires consulting specific sections of journal websites and associated documentation. This information can typically be found, though its presence and clarity vary by publication. Key methods involve examining the journal's official website. Identify sections labelled "Author Guidelines," "Instructions for Authors," "About the Journal," "Editorial Policies," or "Peer Review Process." Thoroughly review these sections for details on the review model, reviewer anonymity policy, published review reports, editorial decision rationales, or handling of reviewer conflicts of interest. Consulting independent registries like COPE's member list or Transpose (transpose-publishing.org), which catalog journal policies based on pre-defined transparency indicators, is also essential. Be aware that such information might be absent, vague, or scattered. To implement this, systematically search the target journal’s website using the terms above. Understand distinctions between common models like single-blind, double-blind, and open peer review. Identify if reports are published alongside articles or if editor decision letters are shared. Confirming adherence to best practices through COPE membership or Transpose data adds credibility. This practice enables informed journal selection and assessment of peer review rigor for research integrity purposes.