identifier-a symbol that establishes the identity of the one bearing it. variable-a symbol (like x or y) that is used in mathematical or logical expressions to represent a variable quantity.. (Psychoanalysis) psychoanal the end product, in the form of an object or act, of a conflict in the unconscious between repression processes and the actions and thoughts being repressed: the symbols of dreams. 5. (Psychology) psychol any mental process that represents some feature of external reality.
By my definition, out of 13,950 peer-reviewed articles published on global warming since 1991, only 23, or 0.16 percent, clearly reject global warming or endorse a cause other than CO2 emissions for observed warming.
So while peer review is a hallmark of science, it is not unique to science. 1  Peer-reviewed journals are publications in which scientific contributions have been vetted by experts in the relevant field. 2  Peer-reviewed articles provide a trusted form of scientific communication. Even if you are unfamiliar with the topic or the scientists who authored a particular study, you can trust peer-reviewed work to meet certain standards of scientific quality. Since scientific knowledge is cumulative and builds on itself, this trust is particularly important.