Peer Review

Peer Review is a term used in publishing and in professional settings where work and/or action is examined and reviewed by a group of individuals that have professional credentials and experiential backgrounds that are equivalent to the individual whose work is being reviewed. This process is used to examine work for many purposes. When psychologists try to publish their research, a group of experts (peers) review the work to determine if it meets criteria for publication. They will examine procedures, source materials, study methodology, etc. In professional settings it is used to review behavior, adherence to ethical standards, procedural issues, etc. This method is widely used by universities, hospitals, research foundations and other venues that oversee the work of scholars and other professionals.