peer review

Question 1

when does peer review occur?

Answer 1

before research can become a part of an academic journal it must be subject to a process of peer review

Question 2

what does peer review involve?

Answer 2

involves all aspects of the written investigation being objectively and impartially scrutinised by a small group of experts in a particular field

Question 3

what are the main aims of peer review?

Answer 3

• allocate research funding to a proposed project
• validate the quality and relevance of research
• to suggest amendments and improvements

Question 4

anonymity

Answer 4

• peer reviewing research should remain anonymous for more honest appraisal
• a minority of reviewers may use this to criticise rival researchers. direct competition for limited research funding.
• some journals favour open reviewing systems.

Question 5

publication bias.

Answer 5

• editors of journals may only want to publish significant ‘headline grabbing’ findings to increase credibility and circulation of publication.
• file drawer problem. prefer to publish positive results.
• research not meeting these criteria may be ignored/disregarded creating false impression of current state of psychology.

Question 6

burying ground-breaking research

Answer 6

• may suppress opposition to mainstream theories. maintains status quo within particular scientific fields.
• can be especially critical of research contradicting own views and vice versa.
• established scientists more likely to be chosen as reviewers. findings agreeing with current opinion more likely to be passed than innovative research challenging established order.
• may slow down rate of change within particular scientific disciplines.