Peer Review

Question 1

What is peer review?

Answer 1

When the quality or value of a research manuscript is evaluated by other researchers who are typically experts in the area of the research before it can be published as part of a journal
- the experts should be objective and unknown to her author of the researcher

Question 2

What is the purpose of peer review?

Answer 2

To decide whether the research being evaluated is sufficient quality to merit publication in a given professional research journal

Question 3

What is the process of peer review?

Answer 3

1. Author submits draft of scientific report
2. Scrutinised by professionals critically - problems come out, suggestions for improvement
3. Decisions - accept (unconditionally /conditionally) or reject (completely, encourage revision)

Question 4

What are the main aims of peer review?

Answer 4

1. To validate the quality and relevance of research to prevent incorrect data or unethical research from entering the public domain
2. To suggest amendments or improvements for the research to improve their scientific report

Question 5

What are the three main reasons why peer review is important for the British government?

Answer 5

1. Allocation of research funding: research will be paid for by various government and charitable bodies, who will need to be sure that the research is relevant and worthwhile as government budget is being used
2. Publication of research in academic journals and books: this allows research to be shared with the public, but the government have to make sure that no unethical or misleading research gets spread to the wider public
3. For assessing the research rating of university departments: research excellence framework makes sure government funding for research goes to departments at universities with food REF ratings which comes about through peer review as it assures good quality research