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 |
Relevant Journal Titles
Specific Journal Titles and links to the databases that either have the FULL-TEXT or the basic citation information.
If you can't find the full-text of an article, just fill out an interlibrary loan request (online), and we will scan it or get the article for you digitally.
- Case Studies in Sport ManagementFull-text access to case studies in sport management from Human Kinetics.
- Human Movement ScienceFull-text in Science Direct
- JOPERD (Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance)Full-text in Academic OneFile
- Journal of Sport & Exercise PsychologyFull-text in SPORTDiscus.
- Journal of Sport RehabilitationFull-text access in SPORTDiscus.
- Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical FitnessIndexed in Medline but you will have to get the articles through interlibrary loan.
This link takes you to the journal's page in Medline. - Journal of Sports SciencesFull-text access is in SPORTDiscus, with recent coverage available through the publisher website.
- Journal of Strength and Conditioning ResearchThe library has the last two recent years in PAPER copy, but you can ask for those to be scanned through interlibrary loan.
Full-text is available through SPORTDiscus. - Journal of Teaching in Physical EducationFull-text in SPORTDiscus.
- Medicine and Science in Sports and ExerciseThe library has online access to this journal.
This link takes you to its page in SPORTDiscus where you can search it easily and then click on the Search for full-text button. - Motor ControlFull-text access through SPORTDiscus.
- Perceptual and Motor SkillsFull-text in SPORTDiscus.
- Physical Therapy in SportFull-text in ScienceDirect.
- Research Quarterly for Exercise and SportAccess and some full-text in SPORTDiscus;
Otherwise click here for the full subscription.
URL: https://library.brockport.edu/ksspe