How to Know if an Article is Peer Reviewed
The complete guide with a free checker tool to verify academic sources in seconds
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What is Peer Review?
Peer review is a quality control process where experts in the same field evaluate a research article before publication. This process ensures the research is:
Methodologically Sound
The research methods are appropriate and properly executed
Scientifically Accurate
Claims are supported by evidence and properly cited
Original Research
The work contributes new knowledge to the field
Transparently Reported
Methods and results are clearly documented
Manual Methods to Check Peer Review Status
1. Check the Journal's Website
Most reputable journals clearly state their peer review process on their "About" or "Submission Guidelines" page. Look for:
- "Double-blind peer review"
- "Single-blind peer review"
- "Open peer review"
- Detailed peer review policy
2. Use Academic Databases
Several databases catalog peer-reviewed journals:
Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ)
Indexes quality open-access journals that use peer review
Ulrichsweb
Comprehensive database showing which journals are refereed (peer-reviewed)
PubMed
Medical and life sciences database that primarily indexes peer-reviewed journals
3. Look for Red Flags
Be cautious of journals with these warning signs:
- Extremely fast turnaround time (days instead of weeks/months)
- Excessive solicitation emails
- No clear peer review policy
- Listed on predatory journal lists (like Beall's List)
- Poor website quality with spelling/grammar errors
The Easy Way: Use Our Free Checker
Don't want to manually search through databases? Use our AI-powered tool to get instant results. Just paste a URL, DOI, or title and we'll check it for you.
Try the Free CheckerFrequently Asked Questions
Is everything on a peer-reviewed journal's website peer-reviewed?
No. Many journals publish both peer-reviewed research articles and non-peer-reviewed content like editorials, news, commentary, and book reviews. Check the article type.
How long does peer review take?
Typically 2-6 months. Be suspicious of journals claiming extremely fast peer review (days to weeks), as thorough peer review takes time.
Can I trust articles from open-access journals?
Yes, if they're legitimate. Many high-quality journals are open-access (like PLOS ONE, BMC journals). Use databases like DOAJ to verify quality open-access journals.
What if I can't find peer review information?
If a journal doesn't clearly state its peer review process, that's a red flag. Reputable journals are transparent about their review process. Look for alternative sources or use our checker tool.
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