The purpose of peer reviews

How to write a good review

Regard yourself as an advisor rather than an almighty judge. Provide useful critique and constructive feedback, so that the author can improve his/her thesis. Remember, it is not a finished manuscript, but a work in progress.

You can help improve the quality and in the process you will learn something as well. Do not waste your time, the authors time or the supervisors time by doing it superficially. Go into depth; analyse according to the checklist, your methodological skills and creativity. Go beyond the text, what alternatives are there. Can you provide some interesting ideas, URLs or reading material to the author?

The peer-review process is between peers. However, supervisors will be able to check out the quality of your reviews. By providing good reviews you demonstrate that you understand research concepts, theories and the subject matter.

How many reviews should I do?

You need to do at least two peer reviews during the course period. A first peer review is recommended to do during "Phase 2 - Research question and method" and a second peer review during "Phase 3 - Result and discussion".

The number of peer reviews you want to receive equals the number of peer reviews you do. In summary the more feedback you want on your own work, the more feedback you need to provide.