Peer Review

Question 1

What the first step in a peer review

Answer 1

Psychologists who want to publish research send their report manuscript to a journal

Question 2

What is the second step of a peer review

Answer 2

The editor of the journal examines the topic of the manuscript and sends copies to other psychologists who are experts in that topic

Question 3

What is the third step of a peer review

Answer 3

The peer reviews read the manuscript and carefully assess all aspects of it

Question 4

What is the fourth step of a peer review

Answer 4

They then send it back to the editor with comments and recommendations about its suitability for publication

Question 5

What is the fifth step of a peer review

Answer 5

Using these comments the editor decides whether the research should accepted, revised or rejected

Question 6

Why is peer review so important

Answer 6

It provides a way of checking the validity and credibility of the research.
It also allows you to assess the quality and appropriateness of the design and methodology

Question 7

What are the limitations of peer review

Answer 7

• in a small number of cases its failed to detect fraudulent research
• if research doesn’t fit with previous research its often seen as suspect and rejected
• reviewer bias = reviewer theoretical view is different from the manuscript
• institution and gender bias also make it impossible to separate research from personal views
• file-drawer phenomenon = don’t agree with research so it gets lost in the file drawer