Comparing triple-masking and double-masking in editorial decisions for public health articles
Triple-masking v Double-masking: a Trial of Scientific Publication in Public Health
This study is testing whether keeping authors, reviewers, and editors completely anonymous helps increase the chances of public health articles being accepted for publication compared to just keeping authors and reviewers anonymous.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1500 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Queens College, The City University of New York Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT06067633 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This trial aims to evaluate the impact of triple-masking versus double-masking on the acceptance rates of articles submitted to the American Journal of Public Health. In the triple-masked process, the identities of authors, reviewers, and editors are concealed from one another, while in the double-masked process, only authors and reviewers are anonymized. The study will analyze whether this masking affects editorial decisions and acceptance rates, potentially reducing biases related to author identity and institutional affiliation. The trial will be conducted virtually, with all submissions processed electronically.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are authors submitting new manuscripts in various formats to the American Journal of Public Health.
Not a fit: Authors of resubmissions or those submitting commissioned editorials, book reviews, or letters to the editor will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to a more equitable and unbiased publication process in public health literature.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of triple-masking has not been formally tested in this context, similar approaches in other fields have shown promise in reducing bias.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * New submissions * Article formats: research articles, notes from the field, non-commissioned editorials, analytic essays, systematic reviews Exclusion Criteria: * Resubmissions * Article formats: Commissioned editorials, book reviews, Letters to the Editor, Public Health of Consequence editorials, Editor's Choice.
Where this trial is running
New York, New York
- QueensC — New York, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Alfredo Morabia — Queens College, The City University of New York
- Study coordinator: Alfredo Morabia
- Email: amorabia@qc.cuny.edu
- Phone: 9176648789
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.