What is a Peer Reviewed Article?
A peer-reviewed article is one that has been reviewed by a body of “peers:” experts in the same field as the writer.
They are sometimes called “refereed” and are published in peer-reviewed (sometimes called academic or scholarly) journals.
When in doubt, ask your professor as they are the experts in their fields.
How to tell if an article is peer-reviewed
| Criteria | Peer-Reviewed / Scholarly | Popular / General |
|---|---|---|
| Length or Appearance of Source |
Lengthy, in depth. Often includes tables, graphs, statistics. Serious appearance, not heavily graphic. Generally includes abstract and citation list. Purpose of the articles is usually to present original research or experiments. |
Shorter, overview-type articles. Popular style.
Does not usually include abstract or citation list. Includes many advertisements aimed at a general audience. Purpose of the articles is more to entertain. |
| Author or Editor |
Scholars, experts. Credentials often included (PhD, MD, MPH, etc.) Peer reviewed, refereed or juried: critically evaluated by a knowledge panel of experts. |
Reporters, staff writers.
Credentials not usually included. Reviewed by the editorial staff, not subject experts. Articles are sometimes unsigned. |
| Title | Includes words like: review, journal, research, quarterly, studies, transactions, proceedings, archives. | Often includes the word magazine. |
| Language | Technical, likely to include the jargon of the field. Assumes some background knowledge from the reader. | Non-technical, accessible by broad audience |
| Article Structure | Traditional structure usually requires: abstract, literature review, methodology, results, conclusion, references | No specific structure. |
| Audience | Professors, researchers, professionals, experts, students; people who are already interested in the topic. | General public, trying to attract an audience. |
| Examples |
Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) The Political Quarterly |
National Geographic Time Magazine |
URL: https://library.brockport.edu/eng112