Abstract
The function of peer reviewing is one which Acoustical Consultants and other experts are called upon to undertake on a frequent basis. Having been involved in a large number of such reviews, both as the reviewer and reviewed, the author considers it a reasonable statement that the standard of professional reviewing varies widely and there is cope for major improvement. This is probably not surprising as formal training for this function appears to be almost entirely absent from professional education for engineers and scientists in New Zealand, and possibly elsewhere. This paper sets out what is seen as the principle objectives of peer reviewing and the commonly occurring defects evident in peer reviews which have come to the attention of the author, and proposes a set of principles to be followed with the objective of raising the performance and consistency of consultants in the carrying out of this function.