Scholarship is an extended conversation between researchers, and the scholarly literature in each discipline tells the story of of the inquiry that fuels the conversation. Peer-reviewed journal articles are the main mechanism researchers use to communicate original research and new ideas. Before publication, research articles usually go through the peer review process. To find out how this happens, watch this video from the NCSU Library:
Instead of worrying about whether a source is peer-reviewed or not, it is best to check the Ulrich's Periodical Directory, or UlrichsWeb. The process is described in this Ulrichsweb Guide.
The video below can also help you to learn how to use Ulrichsweb:
Just search for ulrichsweb in the LibrarySearch box to find the database record:
While there have been acknowledged abuses and failures of peer review, many researchers still believe it is the best (if flawed) process we have. Take a look at these reflections on peer review as a research tool from scientists and information professionals interviewed during Peer Review Week 2019:
Gibson, C., and Jacobson, T. (2014). Framework for information literacy for higher education (Draft). ACRL. Retrieved from: http://acrl.ala.org/ilstandards/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Framework-for-IL-for-HE-Draft-1-Part-1.pdf
NCSU Libraries. (2009). Anatomy of a scholarly article. Retireved from: http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/tutorials/scholarly-articles/
NCSU Libraries. (2014). Citation: A very (brief) overview. Retrieved from: http://youtu.be/IMhMuVvXCVw
NCSU Libraries. (2014). Literature reviews: An overview for graduate students. Retrieved from: http://youtu.be/t2d7y_r65HU
NCSU Libraries. (2014). Peer review in 3 minutes. Retrieved from: http://youtu.be/rOCQZ7QnoN0