PEER REVIEW

Question 1

What is peer review?

Answer 1

• Process by which, before publication, other psychologists working in a similar field independently scrutinise the research in terms of validity, significance and originality

Question 2

Role of peer review in research

Answer 2

• It is important because it provides a way of checking the validity of the research and judging not only the conclusion of the study but also the research method and data
• Peers can assess whether the work is original and if it refers to other relevant research results in a wider context
• They can also make a recommendation as to whether the research paper can be published as it is or if it should be revised or rejected
• Peer review helps to make sure that any paper published in a journal has integrity to be taken seriously by other researchers and members of the general public
• It makes sure that researchers follow the same conventions when writing up research so all papers are published in the same format.

Question 3

Peer review ADVANTAGE

Answer 3

+ protect quality of research published minimalises possibility of faudelent research
+ means published research is of highest quality protect the reputation of psychology as a science.

Question 4

Peer review DISADVANTAGE

Answer 4

• annoymousity can be used to criticize rival evidence often there is competition with limited research funding may be an issue
• publication bias means that research meet this criteria are ignored tendency of editors to publish headline grabbing findings