peer review and psychological research and the economy

Question 1

role of peer review

Answer 1

produce body of knowledge based on the results of research
involves all aspects of written invesitgation being scrutinised by small group of experts in particular field
experts conduct objective reiew and unknown to author or researcher

Question 2

main aims of peer review

Answer 2

allocate research funding- coordinated by gov run finding organisations who vested interest in establishing which reserch projects more worthwhile
validitate quality and relevance of research- all elements assessed for quality and accuracy, formulation of hypothesis methodology chosen statistical test sued and conclusions drawn
suggest amendments or imprvements- suggest minor revisions of the work and improve the report, may conclude work is inappropriate for publication and should be withdrawn

Question 3

anonymity (peer review eval)

Answer 3

peer doing reviewing remains anonymous throughout likely to produce honest appraisal
minority reviewers use their anonymity as a way of criticising rival researchers who they perceive as having crossed them in the past
researchers direct competition for limited research funding

Question 4

publication bias (peer review eval)

Answer 4

prefer to publish positive results
research doesnt meet criteria ignored or disregarded
creates false impression current state of psychology if selective in publication

Question 5

burrying groundbreaking research (peer review eval_

Answer 5

suppress opposition to mainstream theories wihsing to maintain status quo
tend to be critical of research contradicts their own view and much more favoirable to that which matches it
findings chime with current opinion likely to be passed than new and innovative research challenges the established order
have the effect of slowing down the rate of change within scientific discipline

Question 6

attachment research into the role of the fatehr

Answer 6

childcare seen as mothrs responsibility and hers alone while father free to carry out natural role as provider for family
more recent suggests father fulfil different role from mother but no less valuable in the childs upbringing
both parents equally capable of providing emotional support necessary for healthy psychological development understanding promote flexible working arrangements within the family
modern parents better equipped to maximise their income and contribute more effectively to ecnomoy

Question 7

developemtn of treatments ofr mental dsiorders

Answer 7

absence from work cost £15bil a year
third absences caused by mild to moderate mental health disorders
patients able to be assessed quickly and gain swift access to treatment
conditions treated througb the use of psychotherapeutic drugs
referrals made by gpor engage in self treatment
people with mental disorders able to manage their condition effectively and return to work
economic beneift of psychological research into disorders is considerable