Introduction

The International Journal of Behavioral, Social and Movement Sciences (IJOBSMS) relies on the expertise and commitment of qualified reviewers to maintain the quality, integrity, and academic excellence of its publications. Reviewers play a vital role in evaluating the originality, scientific merit, methodological rigor, and scholarly contribution of submitted manuscripts.

Reviewers are expected to conduct reviews in a fair, objective, timely, and confidential manner while adhering to the highest standards of publication ethics.

Responsibilities of Reviewers

Reviewers are expected to:

• Evaluate manuscripts objectively and constructively.

• Assess the originality, significance, and relevance of the research.

• Identify methodological strengths and weaknesses.

• Provide clear, detailed, and evidence-based comments.

• Make recommendations that assist editors in reaching informed decisions.

• Maintain confidentiality regarding all manuscript contents.

Confidentiality

All manuscripts received for review must be treated as confidential documents. Reviewers must not share, discuss, copy, distribute, or use unpublished information contained within submitted manuscripts for personal, professional, or commercial purposes.

Conflict of Interest

Reviewers should immediately disclose any actual or potential conflict of interest that could influence their evaluation. Conflicts may include:

• Personal relationships with authors.

• Institutional affiliations.

• Financial interests.

• Collaborative or competitive relationships.

Reviewers with significant conflicts of interest should decline the review invitation.

Evaluation Criteria

Reviewers should assess manuscripts based on the following criteria:

Originality and Novelty

• Does the manuscript present original ideas or findings?

• Does it contribute new knowledge to the field?

Relevance to Journal Scope

• Is the topic aligned with the aims and scope of IJOBSMS?

Literature Review

• Is the literature review comprehensive and current?

• Are relevant references appropriately cited?

Methodology

• Is the research design appropriate?

• Are methods clearly described and scientifically sound?

Data Analysis and Interpretation

• Are results accurately analyzed and interpreted?

• Are conclusions supported by the evidence presented?

Ethical Compliance

• Does the study comply with ethical standards?

• Are ethical approvals reported where required?

Presentation and Clarity

• Is the manuscript well organized and clearly written?

• Are tables, figures, and references presented appropriately?

Reviewer Recommendations

Reviewers may recommend one of the following decisions:

• Accept

• Accept with Minor Revisions

• Major Revisions Required

• Resubmit for Review

• Reject

Reviewers should provide justification for their recommendation and offer constructive suggestions wherever possible.

Timeliness

Reviewers are encouraged to submit their evaluations within the timeframe specified by the Editorial Office. If a reviewer is unable to complete the review within the requested period, they should promptly notify the journal.

Ethical Responsibilities

Reviewers should report any concerns regarding:

• Plagiarism

• Duplicate publication

• Data fabrication or falsification

• Ethical misconduct

• Undisclosed conflicts of interest

Any suspected misconduct should be communicated confidentially to the Editor-in-Chief.

Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools

Reviewers should not upload confidential manuscript content to generative artificial intelligence platforms or third-party tools that may compromise confidentiality, intellectual property rights, or data security.

Acknowledgement

The Editorial Board of IJOBSMS sincerely appreciates the valuable contributions of reviewers in supporting the journal’s mission to publish high-quality, ethical, and impactful scholarly research.