PAPER 2 - Research Methods - Peer review and economics

Question 1

Define peer review.

Answer 1

The assessment of scientific work by others who are specialists in the same field, to ensure that any research intended for publication is of high quality.

Question 2

Briefly, what are the main aims of a peer review?

Answer 2

To allocate research funding.
To validate and relevance of research.
To suggest amendments or improvements.

Question 3

Explain the evaluation point on anonymity for peer reviews.

Answer 3

Peer reviews are usually done anonymously as this is likely to produce are more honest review. However, a minority of reviewers may use their anonymity as a way of criticising rival researchers!
This could mean research that does not meet these criteria is ignored or disregarded.

Question 4

Explain the evaluation point on publication bias for peer reviews.

Answer 4

Editors of journals naturally want to publish significant ‘headline-grabbing’ findings to increase the credibility and circulation of their publication. They also prefer to publish positive results.
This could mean research that doesn’t meet these criteria is ignored or disregarded. This creates a false impression of the current state of psychology if editors are being selective.