PSYC 111 Psychology: What's a Peer Reviewed Article?

Peer-reviewed articles are ones which are reviewed by a board of editors who are experts in a given field.These editors determine if the material submitted for publication adds something significant to a body of knowledge that already exists. Peer-reviewed materials are important to the research of most academic fields; they assure readers that the information conveyed is reliable and timely.

Note:
The term "scholarly materials" is often used to describe  peer-reviewed materials. However, the term is not exclusive to refereed material. While non-refereed materials may not by scrutinized as intensely as refereed materials, they can still be considered scholarly (or academic)!

• Audience - scholars in the academic field
• Readers have some understanding of the subject
• Articles are refereed: must contribute to the existing body of knowledge in the field
• Authors are experts in the field
• Generally no advertising
• Generally, few if any pictures
• Distributed mostly by subscription

• Audience is the general public
• No previous knowledge is required
• Articles must help sell the magazine
• Authors are journalist with input from editor of the magazine
• Carries lots of advertising, probably more than editorial content
• Lots of glossy pictures
• For sale at newsstands