How Peer Review Shapes Minds: A Look Back at Purdue's Political Science Journal

Insights from the Field

peer review impact

undergraduate research value

psaj history

Learning through Peer Reviewing and Publishing in the Pi Sigma Alpha Undergraduate Journal of Politics: Twenty Years Later was authored by Christina Walker, Terri Towner, Rosalee Clawson, Zoe Oxley, Christine Nemacheck and Ronald Rapoport. It was published by Cambridge in PS in 2021.

This article explores the enduring value of peer-reviewed undergraduate research journals. It examines how involvement in editing or authoring for the Pi Sigma Alpha Undergraduate Journal of Politics enhances learning and professional development.

The piece traces the journal's evolution since its founding in 2001, highlighting how it has adapted alongside increased emphasis on undergraduate research initiatives.

Key insights come from a comprehensive survey involving former Editorial Board members and Faculty Chapter Advisors—these individuals shared positive perspectives about their experiences with the publication. The findings also underscore appreciation for peer-reviewed publishing among authors.

The article concludes by advocating for continued institutional support of such scholarly outlets, arguing that assigning published undergraduate research in upper-level courses remains crucial.