When conducting research, it’s essential to use credible and reliable sources. Peer-reviewed articles are considered high-quality academic sources because they undergo rigorous evaluation by experts before publication. However, many people struggle to determine whether an article is truly peer-reviewed or just scholarly-looking.
This guide will explain what a peer-reviewed article is, how to identify one, and the best methods to verify peer-review status using academic tools and databases. By the end, you’ll be able to confidently check whether an article meets the peer-reviewed standard.
What Is a Peer-Reviewed Article?
A peer-reviewed article is a scholarly work that has been evaluated by subject-matter experts before being published in an academic journal. The peer-review process ensures that:
- The research is valid, credible, and follows proper methodology.
- The findings contribute to the academic field and are free from major errors.
- The article meets journal quality standards before public release.
Peer-reviewed articles are often published in academic journals related to science, medicine, humanities, and social sciences. They differ from non-peer-reviewed sources, such as blogs, news articles, and opinion pieces, which do not go through expert evaluation.
How to Identify a Peer-Reviewed Article
Follow these steps to verify whether an article is peer-reviewed and ensure you are using credible, scholarly sources for your research.
1. Check the Journal’s Peer-Review Policy
One of the easiest ways to determine if an article is peer-reviewed is by checking the journal’s official website. Academic journals that follow a peer-review process usually state this information in their editorial policies.
To verify:
- Visit the official journal website where the article was published.
- Look for sections labeled “Editorial Policies” or “About the Journal.”
- Check if the journal mentions a peer-review process—this confirms all articles in that journal are reviewed before publication.
- If you don’t see this information, check other verification methods, such as academic databases.
If the journal does not clearly state its peer-review status, you may need to cross-check its credibility through multiple sources.
2. Use Google Scholar to Check for Peer-Reviewed Sources
Google Scholar is a widely used academic search engine that provides access to research papers, but it does not label whether an article is peer-reviewed. However, there are ways to make an educated guess.
Start by checking whether the article is published in an academic journal rather than on a general website or blog. If it has been cited by multiple scholarly papers, it’s likely a credible source. A high citation count often indicates that the article is respected within the academic community.
To confirm, visit the journal’s homepage and look for its peer-review policy. If the journal follows a formal review process, it is safe to assume the article is peer-reviewed.
3. Search University Databases for Verified Peer-Reviewed Sources
Most universities provide access to academic research databases, which only include verified peer-reviewed articles. These databases are one of the most reliable ways to find scholarly content.
To check if an article is peer-reviewed:
- Log in to your university’s library portal (or use an institution’s public research access).
- Use databases such as:
- JSTOR – Humanities, social sciences, and history.
- PubMed – Medical, biological, and health sciences.
- Scopus – Multidisciplinary research.
- EBSCOhost – General academic and educational resources.
- Web of Science – Citation-based academic journal indexing.
- Filter search results by selecting “Peer-Reviewed” or “Scholarly Articles” to eliminate non-reviewed sources.
- If the database entry lists the article under a peer-reviewed journal, it is a credible academic source.
These university databases ensure that all included articles have gone through a formal peer-review process, making them a trusted resource for researchers and students.
4. Check Ulrich’s Periodicals Directory for Peer-Review Status
Ulrich’s Periodicals Directory is a global database of academic journals that indicates whether a journal follows a peer-review process. This tool is especially useful when a journal’s website does not explicitly state its review status.
To verify an article’s source:
- Visit Ulrichsweb.com (accessible through most university libraries).
- Search for the journal name (not the article title).
- Look for a referee icon (🏅) next to the journal name—this confirms that it is a peer-reviewed publication.
- If the journal does not have the referee icon, its articles may not have undergone rigorous academic review.
Since predatory journals and low-quality publications exist, Ulrich’s Directory is a quick and reliable method to confirm the credibility of a journal.
5. Look for Author Credentials and Citations
Another way to determine whether an article is peer-reviewed is by examining its structure and author details. Peer-reviewed papers follow a standardized format and contain specific academic features that set them apart from non-reviewed articles.
Key indicators include:
- Author Credentials: The author should be an expert in the field, affiliated with a university, research institution, or reputable organization.
- Abstract & Methodology Section: Peer-reviewed papers include a clear research methodology explaining how the study was conducted.
- Citations & References: A peer-reviewed article cites multiple scholarly sources and includes a comprehensive reference list.
- Structured Formatting: The article typically includes an introduction, literature review, methods, results, discussion, and conclusion.
If an article lacks these key elements, it is less likely to be peer-reviewed and may not be suitable for academic research.
Common Peer-Reviewed Journal Databases
If you need peer-reviewed research, search in the following academic databases:
- JSTOR – Best for humanities and social sciences.
- PubMed – Focuses on medical and health science journals.
- Scopus – Covers multidisciplinary academic research.
- Web of Science – Indexes citation-based journal research.
- DOAJ (Directory of Open Access Journals) – Lists verified open-access peer-reviewed sources.
These databases prioritize peer-reviewed research, making them the best sources for academic work.
Red Flags That an Article Is Not Peer-Reviewed
While searching for academic sources, be cautious of articles that may not be peer-reviewed.
🚩 Published on blogs, news sites, or personal websites – These are not scholarly sources.
🚩 Opinion-based content without references – Academic papers cite credible sources.
🚩 No author credentials listed – Scholarly articles include author affiliations and expertise.
🚩 Predatory journals with high fees for publication – These journals lack proper peer review.
🚩 Lack of a DOI (Digital Object Identifier) – DOI numbers are commonly used in peer-reviewed research.
Avoiding non-reviewed sources ensures higher credibility in academic writing.
Conclusion
Peer-reviewed articles are essential for academic research because they undergo expert evaluation before publication. To verify if an article is peer-reviewed, check the journal’s website, use university databases, or search in academic directories like Ulrich’s.
By following the methods outlined in this guide, you can ensure you are using credible and scholarly sources for your research.
If this guide helped you, share it with students and researchers who need reliable academic sources!