Peer Review

Question 1

What is peer review and how is it conducted

Answer 1

• It is part of the scientific process
  1. Research is carried out and then written into a paper
  2. The paper is then sent to the editor of a journal which then sends the paper to another researcher or psychologist working in that field to check for any mistakes, flaws such as bias or fraudulent work.
  3. If they’re are no mistakes it is then allowed to be published
  4. If not it is I sent back to the researcher to correct the mistakes and the process is repeated

Question 2

Why are papers Peer reviewed?

Answer 2

• Make sure research published is of high quality
• It helps identify if funding should be allocated to research and if it is worthwhile to do so
• In order to be published in a journal articles must be peer reviewed
• Peer review also contributes to the researcher rating of university departments
• it spots fraudulent researcher, so that any research that is published can be trusted by the general public

Question 3

What are the evaluations for peer review process?

Answer 3

• Anonymity: the persons reviewing can remain anonymous therefore they will be more honest and the prevention of fraudulent work is more likely going to occur as they wont be afraid of criticism of they way they have reviewed it. However they might unfairly criticise psychological research if they are in direct competition with that researcher for funding.
• Publication bias: Editors want to publish positive papers however those who don’t have a significant headline might be ignored and not allowed to be published
• Burying ground breaking research: Peer review may bury or suppress opposition mainstream theories that contradict other researchers view. Established psychologists are usually chosen to peer review studies therefore if they go against their ideas and claims the paper might not be accepted to be published