What is the primary function of the peer review process in research publication?

The primary function of the peer review process in research publication is to evaluate research by experts. This process involves independent scholars assessing the quality, validity, and relevance of a submitted manuscript before it is published. Peer review serves several critical purposes, including verifying that the research methods are sound, the results are credible, and the conclusions drawn are supported by the data presented. By having knowledgeable colleagues in the field review the work, the integrity of scientific literature is maintained, and it helps to ensure that only high-quality research is disseminated to the broader academic community.

While other aspects like publication speed, financial assessment, and author visibility may play roles in the publishing process, they are not the primary focus of the peer review. The peer review process is fundamentally about ensuring the quality and rigor of research findings.