Background

All the research projects discussed here were conducted in collaboration with either one of two independent research agencies based in the UK, GfkNOP or Illuminas. This discussion will draw upon three key studies. A qualitative study composed of focus groups and teledepth interviews completed in 2003–2004 which delved into the motivations and perceptions towards peer review specifically the opinions of reviewers and editors. A second quantitative study was an online survey which was completed in 2005, and based upon over 6,000 responses (authors, researchers, editors). Thirdly, an online study of Elsevier’s own reviewers which commenced in 2007, and thus far has had over 30,000 responses. All the studies are global, and cut across a range of subjects and thus are representative of research community at large.