Peer-reviewed

Peer-reviewed (pronounced: /ˈpɪər rɪˈvjuːd/) is a term used in the field of academic publishing to describe the process by which an author's work is evaluated by a group of experts in the same field before it is published. The term originates from the English words "peer", meaning "equal" and "review", meaning "to examine or inspect".

Definition

In the context of academic publishing, peer review is a quality control measure that requires a work to be scrutinized by one or more independent experts who assess its quality and validity. The reviewers, or 'peers', are usually experts in the same field as the author and are thus well-equipped to judge the work's merit.

Process

The peer review process typically involves the following steps:

Submission of the work to a journal or conference.
Evaluation of the work by one or more independent reviewers.
Feedback to the author(s) with comments and suggestions for improvement.
Revision of the work by the author(s) based on the feedback received.
Final decision by the editor or conference chair on whether to accept, reject, or request further revisions.

Importance

Peer review is considered a cornerstone of academic publishing. It helps to ensure that only high-quality, valid research is published, thereby maintaining the integrity of the academic record. It also provides authors with feedback that can help them improve their work.

Related Terms

Blind peer review: A type of peer review in which the identities of the reviewers are hidden from the author(s).
Open peer review: A type of peer review in which the identities of both the reviewers and the author(s) are disclosed.
Post-publication peer review: A process in which a work is reviewed after it has been published.
Pre-publication peer review: A process in which a work is reviewed before it is published.