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Research Basics: Understanding Peer-Review

What is peer-review?

Peer-review is an editorial process in which research content is read by experts in the field (peers) to evaluate its validity before publication. 

  • If the research does not meet the standard set by the publication, it will be rejected.  
  • Also known as refereed 
  • Most scholarly journals are peer-reviewed.  
  • Some trade journals (which are published by professional associations) are peer-reviewed.

Peer-Review in 3 Minutes (Video)

North Carolina State University Libraries (Video)