Peer review

High school (ages 12+)
Thinking & Learning

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/peer-review

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the historical context?Formalized in scientific publishing, with roots in the 17th century (Henry Oldenburg)
2. What is the core objectives?Maintain quality standards, improve performance, and validate findings
3. What is peer review and why do scientists use it?Peer review is when other experts check a scientist’s work to make sure it is accurate and clear. It helps keep research reliable and trustworthy.
4. Who started the idea of peer review and when?Henry Oldenburg, a 17th‑century scientist, first used peer review in the Royal Society’s journal. The practice grew over time and became common in the 1970s.

Dissemination: The act of spreading information widely.
Methodology: A system of methods used in a particular area of study or activity.
Bias: Prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another.