Peer Review

Question 1

Peer Review

Answer 1

Part of the scientific process necessary if research is to be published

Question 2

Peer Review: How?

Answer 2

• Reviewed by (usually 3) experts in the field
• they determine whether the article can be published, requires minor improvements, or cannot be published
• read the whole report and make judgements based on the aims, methodology, etc, to see whether it is accurate and valid
• may need improvements and then resubmit their work

Question 3

Peer Review: Why?

Answer 3

• ensures honesty from psychologists
• quality and relevance is checked
• stops poor quality research
• can be used to judge universities
-> funding is based on how good the research is
• allocate funding for research

Question 4

:( Peer Review

Answer 4

• Isn’t always possible to find an expert
• Publication bias
-> journals are more likely to publish positive results
• Reluctance to challenge relevant and general theories
-> keep to the status quo
• Can be difficult to retract
-> once in the public domain, the damage is done
• Not always easy to spot the mistakes