Peer-reviewed journal articles undergo an evaluation conducted by experts in a particular field of study. These experts determine whether an article meets the criteria for inclusion in a journal. This process helps ensure that the research described in the articles is original and of high quality. Another term for peer reviewed is refereed.
Note: Not all articles that appear in peer-reviewed journals have gone through the peer-review process. For example, editorials, letters to the editor, and book reviews are included at the editor's discretion.
Three ways to identify peer-reviewed articles
1. Use a library database with a "peer-review" feature
Most databases let you limit/filter your search results to peer-reviewed/refereed articles.
2. Check the journal's web page
There should be a statement indicating that the journal publishes "peer-reviewed/refereed" articles.
3. Use Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory
Search for the journal title that the article was published in. Check for the "Refereed" icon.
Peer Review in Three Minutes
Portions of this content were adapted from the University of Toronto and North Carolina State University libraries.
