What does a higher impact factor score of a peer-reviewed paper generally indicate?

A higher impact factor score of a peer-reviewed paper is primarily an indication of the quality and significance of the research published in that journal. The impact factor reflects the number of citations a journal's articles receive over a specific period, particularly over two years, and is often used as a proxy for the influence and prestige of a journal within its field. Journals with higher impact factors are typically seen as more authoritative, indicating that the research they publish is relevant and widely recognized by other researchers. This citation frequency often correlates with the importance and contribution of the work to the field, showcasing works that have a notable impact on advancing knowledge, theories, or practices.

While the other options suggested aspects like accessibility, methodological rigor, and audience reach, these factors do not consistently align with what the impact factor measures. Accessibility pertains more to how easily one can access publications, methodological rigor relates to the research design and execution itself, and broader audience reach connects to how many people or professionals may engage with the content, none of which are directly indicated by the impact factor score.