Confused by scholarly, peer-reviewed sources?
This guide explains the peer review process, the identifying characteristics of a peer-reviewed article, and where you'll find scholarly, peer-reviewed journal articles in the RGO Library & Learning Commons databases.
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What is Peer Review? Peer review is a publication process based on peer evaluation that ensures contributions made to the scholarly community are based on accurate, reliable, and original research findings and analysis: Source: University of California at Berkeley (n.d.). Scrutinizing science: Peer review [digital image]. Understanding Science. Retrieved from http://undsci.berkeley.edu/ |
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Also called an academic or peer-reviewed journal, a scholarly journal:
• Is a type of periodical (a publication issued in regular periods, i.e. newspapers, magazines, etc.) that provides a forum for scholarly communication in a particular academic discipline,
• Publishes original, peer-reviewed research-based or theoretical articles are written by researchers and experts,
• Publishes additional forms of scholarly communication such as book reviews, editorials, conference proceedings, debate pieces, and interviews.
A scholarly, peer-reviewed journal article:
• Presents research studies and experiments or original theoretical analysis that advances what is understood or known in a specific subject area or discipline,
• Is written by the person(s) who conducted the research or analysis, who typically have advanced degrees, credentials, and/or academic positions,
• Often has a scientific format with sections and headings that follow the structure of a research study:
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Section/Heading:
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Purpose & Content: |
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Introduction or Objective |
To present the research question(s) or problem and overall intention of the research study. |
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Background or Literature Review |
To describe the current understanding and knowledge of the topic with a focus on how the study makes an important contribution. |
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Method(ology) or Research Design |
To describe the procedures used to conduct the study, such as data collection and theoretical method for analysis of the data. |
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Results or Findings |
To report on the new information and knowledge acquired through the research study |
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Discussion, Analysis and/or Conclusion |
To summarize and interpret the implications of the results in the context of the topic or field as a whole, including areas where further research may be needed |
In addition to the scientific format described in the previous tab, there are several common types of scholarly, peer-reviewed journal articles.
Follow the links below to view examples of a systematic literature review, a case study, a theoretical research article, and a scientific research article from the library databases: