Peer Review

Question 1

What is peer review

Answer 1

The process by which psychological research papers, before publication, are subject to scrutiny by other psychologists working in a similar field who consider the research in terms of it’s validity, significance & originality

Question 2

What are the 3 main purposes of peer review

Answer 2

1. Work out allocation of research funding
2. For the publication of scientific work in journals
3. Assessing the research rating of university departments

Question 3

What are 2 other purposes of peer review

Answer 3

4. To validate the quality, validity and relevance of research (by assessing methodology, the conclusions, etc)
5. To suggest amendments or improvements to improve the work or conclude it as inappropriate
   To ensure accuracy of findings
   To evaluate proposed designs

Question 4

Criticisms of peer review

Answer 4

1. Unachievable ideal
2. Anonymity might be needed
3. Publication bias
4. Takes very slow, can bury findings of groundbreaking research

Question 5

Process of peer review

Answer 5

Other psychologists check the research report before deciding whether it could be published
Independent scrutiny by other psychologists working in a similar field
Work is considered in terms of validity, significance and originality
Assessment of the appropriateness of the methods and designs used
Research proposals are submitted to panel & assessed for merit