The review process at the Journal of the Anthropological Society of South Australia is designed to ensure that only high-quality, original, and ethically responsible research is published. Reviewers are expected to approach each manuscript with confidentiality, fairness, and professionalism. Manuscripts must never be shared or used for personal benefit, and feedback should be based solely on scholarly merit rather than personal bias. Reviews should be submitted within the agreed timeframe, typically within three to four weeks, and any delays should be communicated to the editor promptly. Reviewers should also decline assignments where conflicts of interest may exist due to personal, professional, or institutional relationships with the authors.
In assessing manuscripts, reviewers are asked to consider several key aspects. They should evaluate whether the submission fits within the journal’s scope, which focuses on anthropology, archaeology, and related fields, and whether it makes an original contribution to the discipline. Attention should be given to the rigor and appropriateness of the methodology, whether qualitative or quantitative, and to the clarity and coherence of arguments. Data presentation, figures, and tables should be accurate and relevant, and references should be comprehensive and up to date. Particular care should be taken with ethical considerations, especially when research involves Indigenous communities or vulnerable groups, ensuring that cultural sensitivities and research ethics have been respected.
Reviewers are encouraged to provide their feedback in a structured way. This includes giving an overall recommendation (accept, minor revisions, major revisions, or reject), offering general comments that highlight strengths and areas for improvement, and making specific, detailed suggestions that point authors to sections needing clarification or revision. Reviewers may also include confidential comments to the editor if there are concerns that should not be shared directly with the author. The tone of reviews should always be constructive and respectful, with feedback aimed at helping authors improve their work and contributing positively to the advancement of knowledge in the field.
Through thoughtful, fair, and professional reviews, scholars contribute not only to the quality of individual articles but also to the reputation and impact of the journal. The Journal of the Anthropological Society of South Australia greatly values the expertise and time of its reviewers, who play an essential role in sustaining academic integrity and ensuring the dissemination of impactful research.