Discussions around peer review and whether it is subjective or objective continues to takes place. The author reminds us that at the end of the day peer reviews are opinions. He, along with a video clip of mathematician and author, Cathy O’Neill, suggests that opinions are in play with algorithms as well. This interesting topic came to us from The Scholarly Kitchen in their article, “Algorithms Are Opinions Embedded in Code.”
In mathematics and computer science, an algorithm is an unambiguous specification of how to solve a class of problems by using calculation, data processing and automated reasoning tasks.
But is it an opinion? Does there need to be code or opinion associated with the algorithm? Opinion is not needed to determine solutions to problems. If there are more than one solution, then selecting among these possible algorithms would probably involve applying considerable opinion.
There are those who believe because artificial intelligence technology is unbiased, peer review and algorithms might be best served without the human influence.
Melody K. Smith
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