How can I know if the journal has conducted peer review on my article?

Determining whether peer review occurred typically relies on editorial communications and journal transparency. Authors receive confirmation through formal decision letters detailing the peer review process. Explicit mention of reviewer comments and requested revisions within the editorial decision letter constitutes primary evidence. Consultation of the journal's publicly stated peer review policy on its website provides confirmation of standard procedures. Editorial management system notifications tracking manuscript status changes, such as "Under Review" or "Reviewers Invited," indicate process progression. Membership in publishing ethics organizations like COPE suggests adherence to established peer review practices. To ascertain peer review occurred, meticulously review all journal correspondence for language referencing external reviewers and specific feedback. Verify the documented peer review process on the journal's website and scrutinize status updates in the submission system. Cross-reference institutional affiliations and recognized standards to further confirm legitimacy and rigor.