Create, Communicate, Connect library guide

What is peer-reviewed?

Peer-reviewed articles are a particular type of scholarly article which have undergone extra checking by experts in the field prior to publication. Watch the video below for a quick explanation:

If using Library Search or other library databases:

• Check to see if there is a box on the database search page that allows you to limit your search results to Peer Reviewed journal articles.   

If wanting to check specific journal titles/articles here are some options: 

• Look at the article itself for a header or similar which indicates refereed or peer reviewed.
• Look at the table of contents of the journal. Often items are grouped under a heading like "reviewed articles".
• Check the journal's website to see if a statement is made about the content being Peer Reviewed. Be aware that not all the contents of a peer reviewed journal will be reviewed (e.g. books reviews, practice, commentaries, editorials).