Peer review

Question 1

What is the peer review process?

Answer 1

1. Scientists study something
2. Scientists write about their results
3. Journal editor receives an article and sends it out for peer review
4. Peer reviewers read the article and provide feedback to the editor
5. If an article finally meets editorial and peer standards it’s published in a journal

Question 2

What are 5 things that peer reviewers consider?

Answer 2

1. Suitable research method for the aim
2. Adequate controls
3. Influence of extraneous variables
4. Scientific procedure has been followed
5. Whether the data collected is appropriate/ accurately reported

Question 3

What are the disadvantages of peer review?

Answer 3

1. Institutional bias- where the research has been carried out
2. Competition- lots of researchers study the same area at once
3. The file drawer problem- research that isn’t significant
4. Gender bias- general issues with 1 gender being viewed as more academic/ scientific

Question 4

What are the advantages of peer review?

Answer 4

1. Allocates funding to worthy institutions
2. Allows for scientific fraud to be identified before publication