# Preprint peer review: choosing between PCI and the eLife model

Decision workbook and teaching example · 2026-10-06

The completed case is fictional. Its values and decisions are not actual findings; complete your project using relevant permissions, methods and requirements.

- Project: ____________________
- Researcher and role: ____________________
- Date and version: ____________________
- Data seen before the decision: ____________________
- Aim and scope: ____________________

## Completed example

| Stage/decision | Example | Check or action |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Goal | Public feedback before choosing a journal | Check institutional recognition. |
| PCI output | Recommendation on a preprint | Distinguish it from journal publication. |
| eLife output | Reviewed Preprint after selection and review | Record actual status and version. |
| Response | Exclusion-rule table and sensitivity analysis | Identify every change location. |
| Next outlet | Licence and prior-review policy | Check the subsequent outlet’s rules. |

## Complete your own record

| Topic | Actual decision and reason | Evidence link and status |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Goal | __________ | __________ |
| PCI output | __________ | __________ |
| eLife output | __________ | __________ |
| Response | __________ | __________ |
| Next outlet | __________ | __________ |

## Completion checks

- [ ] An evidenced comparison of routes and local recognition.
- [ ] A response matrix and version log.
- [ ] Accurate publication-status and access statements.

## Changes and limitations

| Date | Change | Data known at decision time | Reason | Consequence for claim | Reviewer |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| __________ | __________ | __________ | __________ | __________ | __________ |

## Sources and further reading

- [Peer Community In — Preprint review and recommendation](https://peercommunityin.org/)
- [eLife — Peer review and publishing](https://elifesciences.org/about/peer-review)
- [ICMJE — Roles of authors and contributors](https://www.icmje.org/recommendations/browse/roles-and-responsibilities/defining-the-role-of-authors-and-contributors.html)

Related guide: https://didgar-research-site1.vercel.app/en/guides/open-peer-review/