Peer Review Flashcards
What’s meant by the term peer review?
Psychological research papers, before publication, are subjected to independent scrutiny by other psychologists working in a similar field who consider the research in terms of its validity, significance and originality.
When do peer reviews take place?
Before publication
When a peer review takes place it’s looked at in terms of its….
Validity, significance and originality
What’s the purpose of a peer review?
It filters out flawed or unscientific research
What’s the process of a peer review? (How)
• work is considered in terms of its validity, significance and originality and improvements are suggested
• assessment of appropriateness of methods and designs used
• the reviewer can: accept research as it is, accept research if improvements are made, reject research
• the review can be open, single blind or double blind
• editor of journal will make final decision if it should be published based on comments of the reviewer
In a peer review the work is considered in terms of its….
Validity
Significance
Originality
In a peer review the reviewer can…..
Accept the research as it is
Accept the research if improvements are made
Reject the research
What’s the purpose/role of a peer review?
•to ensure quality and relevance of work. It’s hard for authors to spot every mistake in their work should the work to others increases the likelihood that weaknesses will be addressed
• ensures the research will be taken seriously
• prevents the dissemination of irrelevant finings
• determines if research should receive funding
What are 4 problems associated with the peer review system?
Fraud
Values
Bias
Anonymity
Why is fraud a problem for peer reviews?
In a small number of cases peer reviews have failed to identify fraudulent research before publication
Why is values a problem for peer reviews?
Psychologists try to be objective, but it’s generally impossible to separate your personal cultural or political views
If research findings agree with reviewers own beliefs they are more likely to be accepted as objective research.
Why is bias a problem for peer reviews?
Institution bias - tendency to favor research which comes from a prestigious uni
Gender bias- tendency to favor male researchers and bias towards positive findings
Why is anonymity a problem for peer reviews?
Usually peer reviews remain anonymous to produce honest appraisals. However, due to direct competition for limited research funding some uses their anonymity as a way of criticizing rival reviewers. Therefore some journals use an open reviewing where names of the reviewers are public
