Peer review is a process whereby experts evaluate the research of other experts in their field. Scholars consider how interesting a research question is, the quality of evidence and argument presented in favor of the author’s answer to that question, and the appropriateness of the author’s research methods, before recommending publication in a peer reviewed journal. Typically three reviewers consider each article, and the process is anonymous. Peer reviewed research is the most authoritative analysis available in most fields.
For more information on what is scholarly sources and where to find them, visit the Scholarly Sources Guide.