What is peer review, and why is it important for evaluating sources?

• A. A marketing tactic.
• B. A type of social network feedback.
• C. A process where experts evaluate research for quality before publication.
• D. A casual editorial meeting.

Answer: (C)

Peer review is a process in which experts evaluate research before it gets published. They check whether the methods are appropriate, the data support the conclusions, and the study adds something meaningful to the field. This acts as quality control, helping ensure accuracy and rigor while catching biases or errors that the authors might have missed. Because reviews come from independent specialists, readers can trust that the work has been carefully scrutinized, making the source more credible for social studies research. It also helps improve the manuscript by prompting clarifications or additional analyses. While not perfect, peer review remains a key way scholars vet sources. The other options describe informal feedback, promotional tactics, or casual discussions, not a formal, expert evaluation before publication.