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Infographic: Should you accept or decline a review request?

Flow chart illustrating should you accept or decline a peer review request

Details of infographic from APA Journal’s guidance on preparing a peer review

Read the abstract

Does your expertise match?

  • No. Decline and suggest alternate reviewers.
  • Yes. Do you have a potential conflict of interest with the authors or research?

Do you have a potential conflict of interest with the authors or research?

  • Yes. Decline and suggest alternate reviewers.
  • Maybe. Share concerns with the editor before accepting or declining.
  • No. Can you complete the review by the deadline?

Can you complete the review by the deadline?

  • No. Request a deadline extension before accepting.
  • Maybe. Accept but request an extension before deadline.
  • Yes. Accept!