peer review

Question 1

What is meant by peer review (2m)

Answer 1

• process by which psychological research papers
• before publication
• subject to independent scrutiny
• by other psychologists in similar field
• consider the validity, originality and significance

Question 2

What is the purpose of peer review?

Answer 2

• filter out flawed or unscientific research

Question 3

PROCESS of peer review (4-6m)

Answer 3

• psychological research papers before publication subject to independent scrutiny by other psychologists in similar field
• considered in terms of its validity, originality and significance
• possible improvements are suggested
• appropriateness of the method and designs is assessed
• reviewer can: accept, reject, accept if improvements are made
• review can be: open (both named), single blind (researcher=named reviewer=anonymous), double blind (both anonymous)

Question 4

PURPOSE (role) of peer review (1-4m)

Answer 4

• ensure quality and relevance of research
• checks accuracy/validity and reliability of findings
• increases likelihood that weaknesses are addressed
• ensures published research can be taken seriously
• determines whether research receives funding
• prevents spread of irrelevant findings, unwarranted claims, unacceptable interpretations, personal views, deliberate fraud

Question 5

Evaluate the role of peer review (6m)

Discuss the role of peer review (6m)

Answer 5

Problems associated with peer review:
1. Fraud
2. Values
3. Bias
4. Anonymity

Question 6

Fraud

Answer 6

• sometimes peer review fails to identify fraudulent research before publication

Question 7

Values

Answer 7

• psychologists try to be objective
• but it is impossible to separate from personal, cultural or political views
• if research findings agree with reviewers own beliefs are more likely to be accepted as objective research

Question 8

Bias

Answer 8

• Institution bias: tendency to favour research from prestigious universities
• Gender bias: tendency to favour male researchers and bias towards positive findings

Question 9

Anonymity

Answer 9

• usual practise that reviewer remains anonymous to produce more honest review
• but due to direct competition for limited research funding some reviewers use their anonymity as way of criticising rival reviewers
• so some use open reviewing where name of reviewer is public