Scholars are in the business of building their reputations as researchers. When they submit their work to an academic journal for potential publication, the author knows that the journal requires a process of peer review, whereby other scholars in the author's field or specialty assess the merit of the manuscript. Peer-reviewed journals (also called refereed journals) are scholarly journals that only publish articles that have passed through this review process. The review process helps ensure that the published articles reflect credible scholarship in their fields. The reputation of the journal depends on the publication of credible scholarship.
Limit what you find to articles that appear in peer reviewed publications! You can either do this as part of your search (see red circle below) or by using the limit in the left sidebar of a results list.
Magazines for Libraries is useful tool for learning more about a particular magazine or journal (periodicals). Check for the intended audience. (Ref/Z/6941/M23)