Which of the following statements is true regarding the responsibilities of a reviewer?

The statement regarding a reviewer's obligations is accurate because it emphasizes the importance of transparency in the peer review process. When a reviewer has a conflict of interest—whether financial, personal, or professional—it is crucial for them to disclose this to the journal editor or grant agency. This disclosure helps maintain the integrity of the review process by ensuring that all evaluations are conducted fairly and without bias. By informing the editor of any potential conflicts, the reviewer supports the overall credibility and reliability of the publication process, ultimately fostering trust among authors, researchers, and the audience.

In contrast, there are significant issues with the other statements. A reviewer's expertise should align with the subject of the manuscript to provide informed and constructive feedback rather than being outside the field. Additionally, having a student complete a review without notifying the journal undermines the ethical standards of the reviewing process. Finally, evaluating a competitor’s manuscript more critically goes against the principles of impartiality that should govern the review, as all manuscripts should be assessed based on their own merits rather than the reviewer’s opinions about the authors.