Which of the following actions is NOT a responsibility of reviewers?

Choosing manuscripts based on personal preference is not a responsibility of reviewers in the research and publication process. Reviewers are expected to evaluate manuscripts based on their academic merit, quality of research, originality, and contribution to the field, rather than personal biases or preferences. The primary goal of the peer review process is to maintain the integrity and quality of the research being published, which requires impartiality and a focus on objective criteria.

In contrast, providing constructive criticism is fundamental to the review process, as it helps authors improve their work. Disclosing potential conflicts of interest is crucial to ensure transparency and maintain trust in the review process. Additionally, ensuring the secrecy of authors' identities is a key role in maintaining anonymity, which helps prevent bias and protects the authors during the review process. Each of these responsibilities is aligned with the ethical standards of peer review, while choosing manuscripts based on personal preference undermines the objectivity required in scholarly evaluations.