How to know if an article is peer reviewed

Determining if an article is peer-reviewed is essential for ensuring that the research or information you are relying on is credible and of high quality. Here’s a step-by-step guideline on how to check if an article is peer-reviewed:

Step 1: Identify the Journal

1. Locate the Journal Name: Find the name of the journal in which the article is published. This is usually listed at the top or bottom of the first page of the article or in the citation.

Step 2: Check the Journal’s Website

1. Search for the Journal Online: Go to the official website of the journal. You can do this by searching the journal’s name on a search engine.
2. Look for Information on Peer Review: Once on the journal’s website, look for sections like “About,” “Editorial Policies,” “Instructions for Authors,” or “Submission Guidelines.” These sections usually explain whether the journal uses a peer-review process.
   • Keywords to Look For: Words like “peer-reviewed,” “refereed,” “blind review,” or “double-blind review” indicate that the journal uses peer review.

Step 3: Use Databases and Library Resources

1. Check in Academic Databases: Use academic databases like PubMed, JSTOR, Scopus, or Google Scholar. These databases often have filters that allow you to search only for peer-reviewed articles.
   • Use the Filter: When searching for articles, select the option to filter results to only show peer-reviewed journals.
2. Check Library Resources: Many university libraries provide access to databases that list whether a journal is peer-reviewed. For instance, Ulrichsweb is a directory that provides information on whether a journal is peer-reviewed.

Step 4: Examine the Article Itself

1. Review the Structure: Peer-reviewed articles typically have a standard structure, including an abstract, introduction, methodology, results, discussion, and references. If the article lacks these sections, it might not be peer-reviewed.
2. Look for Author and Affiliation Information: Peer-reviewed articles usually include the author’s credentials and affiliations, indicating their expertise in the field.
3. Check for References and Citations: Peer-reviewed articles have extensive references and citations to previous research, demonstrating a thorough review of existing literature.

Step 5: Ask or Consult with Experts

1. Contact the Journal: If you’re still unsure, you can directly contact the journal’s editorial office and inquire if the article went through peer review.
2. Consult a Librarian or Professor: Academic librarians and professors are familiar with peer-reviewed literature and can often help you determine whether an article is peer-reviewed.

Step 6: Use Online Tools and Resources

1. Use Ulrichsweb: This is an online directory that provides detailed information about journals, including whether they are peer-reviewed.
   • Search for the Journal: Enter the journal name into Ulrichsweb. Look for the “Refereed” icon, which indicates that the journal is peer-reviewed.
2. Check with DOAJ: If the article is from an open-access journal, you can check the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), which lists peer-reviewed open-access journals.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can confidently determine whether an article is peer-reviewed, ensuring that the information you use is credible and trustworthy.