Which of the following methods is commonly used to evaluate the quality of biotechnology research?

Peer review is a fundamental method used to evaluate the quality of biotechnology research. It involves the assessment of research papers or proposals by experts in the same field before they are published or funded. This process ensures that the research meets the necessary standards of scientific rigor, validity, and reliability. During peer review, reviewers critically analyze the methodology, data interpretation, and overall contribution of the research to the existing body of knowledge. The feedback provided can help researchers enhance their work and ensure that the findings presented are credible and valuable to the scientific community.

The other methods listed, while important in their contexts, do not primarily focus on evaluating the scientific quality of research itself. Field trials are more about testing the practical applications and performance of a biotechnological innovation in real-world conditions. Market analysis examines the commercial viability and market potential of a product but does not assess the quality of the underlying research. Brand auditing is concerned with evaluating a brand's position and perception in the market rather than the scientific validity or quality of research. Therefore, peer review stands out as the most relevant method for directly assessing the quality of biotechnology research.