What is a Peer-Reviewed or Refereed Journal?

A peer-reviewed journal is one where experts who are peers of the author in his/her subject area have evaluated the articles for quality of content and advancement of knowledge in the field of study. These experts are often called “referees,” hence the journals are sometimes called refereed journals.

Characteristics of articles in Peer-reviewed/Refereed Journals

• Articles report on original research, or expand and refine a theory, or critically review and evaluate material that has already been published.
• Articles are written and reviewed by experts in the field. Reviews are generally done via a “blind” process, where the author is not known to the reviewers. In some cases, the reviewers are also not known to the author.
• Articles contain bibliographies of cited and related works.
• Articles will usually have an abstract, written either by the author, journal editor, or other third party.

Verification of Peer-reviewed/Refereed Status

• The peer-review process can usually be found on a journal’s title page or on the journal’s website, if the journal has one.
• Outside sources that compile information about the peer-reviewed/refereed status of journals include the Ulrich’s Periodicals Directory (available online via on the UTC Databases Page or in print at the Reference Desk in the Library).