Will the review process of a journal affect the final decision of an article?

The journal peer review process critically determines whether a manuscript is ultimately accepted for publication. Reviewer and editorial feedback directly influences the final editorial decision. This rigorous process involves independent assessment by expert reviewers who evaluate the manuscript's originality, methodological soundness, clarity, significance, and alignment with the journal's scope. Their critical feedback identifies strengths, weaknesses, and necessary revisions. The handling editor synthesizes reviewer comments and journal-specific criteria to guide the author through potential revision rounds and ultimately make the acceptance, revision, or rejection decision. A manuscript failing to adequately address reviewer concerns or meet core standards will likely be rejected. The review process safeguards scholarly integrity and improves manuscript quality. It acts as a crucial filter, preventing unsound research from being published and ensuring published work contributes meaningfully to the field. By prompting substantive revisions, it significantly enhances the clarity, robustness, and overall value of the research before dissemination, directly impacting the final decision outcome.