A peer-reviewed journal is a scholarly publication in which submitted articles are evaluated by experts (peers) in the same field before they are accepted for publication. They are also called “refereed” or “juried” journals, and sometimes loosely called "scholarly" or "academic" journals. The purpose of peer-reviewed journals is first and foremost to advance knowledge within a discipline. It does so by ensuring quality, validating methods and findings, and preventing the spread of errors in research.
How Peer Review Works
A researcher submits an article to a peer-reviewed journal. The editor of the journal checks whether the paper fits the journal’s scope and basic quality standards. If so, the editor sends the article to 2 or 3 independent experts in the field. These experts will assess the article's content for originality and significance, research methods and data analysis, clarity and structure, and the accuracy of its conclusions. The reviewers will then recommend acceptance, revision, or rejection. Authors often revise the paper based on reviewers’ feedback before final acceptance.
How to Find Peer-Reviewed Articles?
Search article databases. The Databases A - Z provides access to databases by subject category. Refine your search by choosing Peer Review from the Refine or Limit option on the database search screen.
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