A Reflection on Peer Review Mechanisms in Some Articles Extracted from PhD Theses in Architecture (Based on the Empathy Theory)

Abstract

One of the most important steps in the peer review process is studying manuscripts. Manuscripts extracted from PhD theses are particularly sensitive as they play a key role in students’ pre-viva stages, deciding their eligibility to hold their viva. A review of submissions shows inconsistencies between reviewers’ and authors’ understandings of manuscripts, causing mutual dissatisfaction. This issue occasionally goes back to review procedures. The present research tries to propose some solutions based on the Empathy Theory: solutions that help bringing the reviewer and the author closer to each other through a better mutual understanding. The paper uses a descriptive-analytical method, with logical reasoning using the Empathy Theory, and the data is collected through library studies and interviewing students.

Keywords

• manuscripts
• peer review of architectural articles
• empathy theory
• lived experience in architecture