Research Basics: Understanding Peer-Review

A peer-reviewed article is:

• A scholarly article written by experts in a particular field of study  
• Read and critiqued by other experts before publication in a scholarly journal
• An article containing research checked for accuracy and validity before publication  
• Not published if the peer-reviewers do not accept the research methodology or the findings

Using peer-reviewed research is essential to understanding the most valid research in a field of study. 

Peer-reviewed articles are found in:

• General or subject specific library databases
  • Use database filters to limit results to peer-reviewed articles
  • Be aware that the results may contain book reviews or editorials which can be found in peer-reviewed journals, but are not peer-reviewed original research
• Open access journals
  • Do not need a paid subscription to read articles
  • Be sure to carefully evaluate publications found on the internet using lateral reading

Not sure if an article is peer-reviewed? Ask these questions.

• Is the article original research, a research review or meta-analysis?
  • These types of articles are typically peer-reviewed. 
• Have you researched the editorial policies of the journal?
  • If the journal utilizes peer-review and it is a research article, then the article will be peer-reviewed. 
• Does the .pdf of the article refer to the review process?
  • Look in the margins, footers, or end of the article.
  • Look for submission, review and acceptance dates or other indications of peer-review. 

If you are still unsure, Ask a Librarian for assistance!