In the context of peer review, who does "peer" refer to?

In the context of peer review, the term "peer" specifically refers to someone with the same level of authority as the author. This is important because peer review is structured to ensure that the feedback comes from individuals who have a comparable understanding of the work being evaluated.

When individuals at the same level evaluate each other's work, they are more likely to provide relevant, constructive feedback that addresses the nuances of the work. This peer feedback mechanism contributes significantly to improving the quality of the deliverable, as it encourages candid discussions and insights that a senior member or someone from a different level might overlook.

In contrast, while team members may contribute in various ways, the essence of peer review is grounded in collaboration and mutual respect among equals, which enables thorough examination and better outcomes.