Recognition of Authors in Blind Review of Manuscripts

Some scientists claim that blind review is rarely possible. Since referees of journal articles are supposed to be experts in a particular field, they are expected to know all about the current work being carried out by important investigators. The results of this study show that the major source of information tipping off the identity of authors is the manuscript itself, not the expert knowledge of referees. Almost all referees who guessed the identity of an author felt capable of setting the information aside when judging the manuscript.