Peer Review

Question 1

What is peer review

Answer 1

Before publication, all aspects of the investigation are scrutinised by experts (‘peers’) in the field
-These experts should be objective and unknown to the researcher

Question 2

What are the aims of peer review

Answer 2

Funding- allocate research funding
-Validation of the quality and relevance of research
-Improvements and amendments are suggested

Question 3

A03 (Protects Quality Of Published Research)

Answer 3

E- Minimises possibility of fraudulent research and means published research is of the highest quality
E- Preserves the reputation of psychology as a science and increases the credibility and status of the subject

Question 4

A03 (Anonymity May Be Used To Criticise Rival Research

Answer 4

E- A minority of reviewers may use their anonymous status to criticise rival researchers
E- Often There is competition for limited research funding so this may be an issue

Question 5

A03 (Publication Bias)

Answer 5

E- Tendency for editors of journals to want to publish ‘headline-grabbing’ findings
E- Means that research that does not meet this criterion is ignored

Question 6

A03 (Ground-Breaking Research May Be Buried)

Answer 6

E- Reviewers may be much more critical of research that contradicts their own view
E- Peer review may slow down the rate of change within scientific disciplines