What is a key characteristic of peer-reviewed literature?

Peer-reviewed literature is fundamentally characterized by undergoing evaluation by experts in the field before publication. This process is crucial because it ensures that the research presented is of high quality, has been scrutinized for accuracy, and meets the research standards of the discipline. During this evaluation, these experts assess the methodology, results, and conclusions of the study, providing constructive feedback that can enhance the overall integrity of the research. As a result, this process fosters greater trust in the findings published in such literature, as it has been validated by knowledgeable peers who are proficient in the subject matter.

The other options do not accurately reflect what distinguishes peer-reviewed literature. While some published works might indeed summarize various topics or include background information, these traits are not exclusive to peer-reviewed articles. Similarly, the assertion that peer-reviewed literature is published without review contradicts the very essence of the peer review process, which is to ensure that the work is rigorously evaluated prior to being made available to the wider scientific community.