Peer Review Flashcards
What is peer review?
A part of verification process where research is deemed to scientifically acceptable or not.
It consists of a number of systems used by scientists to determine whether research findings can be published in scientific journals.
Peer review system subjects scientific research papers to independent scrutiny by scientific experts (peers).
Peer reviewers are largely unpaid.
The is a peer review board like?
There are usually a number of reviewers for each piece of work that comes into to be reviewed.
Their job is to report back on the quality of the research and their views may be considered by peer review panels.
What is the peer review process like?
This process is essentially a ‘gate-keeper’ in that it reduces the chances of flawed or unscientific findings being accepted as fact.
What are the 4 outcomes of peer review?
Accept the work unconditionally.
Accept it so long the researcher improves it in certain ways.
Reject it, but suggest revisions and a resubmission.
Reject it outright.
What are the 3 types of peer review?
Single-blind, double-blind, and open.
Outline single-blind peer review.
This is the usual form of peer review, whereby the names of the reviewer are not revealed to the research.
Outline double-blind peer review.
This involves both reviewers and research being anonymous.
This helps to ensure against any bias based on the researcher’s gender, ethnicity, age, etc.
Outline open peer review.
Involves reviewers and the researcher being known to each other.
This is seen as reducing the risk of personal comments and plagiarism, and encourages open, honest reviewing.
What did the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology suggest in 2002?
Suggested that peer review also serves 3 main purposes:
Allocation of research funding.
Publication of research in scientific journals and books.
Assessing the research rating of university departments.
State 2 strengths of peer review.
Allows a second opinion.
Allows variables and potentially overlapping factors to be assessed.
Decreases risk of scientific inaccuracy.
State 2 weaknesses of peer review.
Bias, e.g. against certain cultures and ages
Could be detrimental for the reviewer or researchers reputation, e.g. if they are seen to reject a prestigious psychologist.
Does not deal with already published research, as this is public and cannot be changed.
Preserves the status quo, meaning new psychological ideas (that are still developing) are instantly rejected and thus the potential is diminished.
