Peer review and psychological research and the economy Flashcards
What is peer review?
The assessment of scientific work by others who are specialists in the same field, to ensure that any research intended for publication is of high quality.
Outline the main aims of peer review.
1) To allocate research funding.
2) To validate the quality of relevance of research.
3) To suggest amendments or improvements.
Why may there be problems with anonymity in peer review.
The ‘peer’ doing the reviewing remains anonymous throughout the process as this is is more likely to produce an honest appraisal. However, a minority of reviewers may use their anonymity as a way of criticising rival researchers who they perceive having crossed them in the past.
Why may there be problems with publication bias in peer review?
It is a natural tendency for editors of journals to want to publish significant ‘headline grabbing’ findings to increase the circulation of their publication or prefer positive results. However, this could mean that research which does not meet this criteria is disregarded which will create a false impression of the current state of psychology if journal editors are being selective in what they publish.
Why may burying groundbreaking research be an issue in peer review?
Researchers tend to be especially critical of research that contradicts their own view and much more favourable to that which matches it.
This means that findings that chime with current opinion are more likely to be passed than new and innovative research that challenges the established order. Therefore, peer review may have the effect of slowing down the rate of change.
Define the economy.
The state of a country or region in terms of the production and consumption of goods and services.
Give two examples of how psychology research has had implications for the economy.
Attachment research into the role of the father.
The development of treatments for mental disorders.
How has attachment research into the role of the father had implications for the economy?
Psychological research has shown that both parents are equally capable of providing the emotional support necessary for healthy psychological development, and this understanding may promote more flexible working arrangements within the family. It is now the norm in some households that the mother is the higher earner and so works long er hours, whilst many couples share childcare responsibilities across the working week. This means that modern parents are better equipped to maximise their income and contribute more effectively to the economy.
how has the development of treatments for mental disorders had implications for the economy?
Absence from work costs the economy an estimated £15 million a year. A recent government report revealed that a third of all absences are caused by mild to moderate mental health disorders. Therefore these play a role in supporting a healthy workforce. Many conditions can be treated through the use of psychotherapeutic drugs such as SSRI’s for depression and OCD or through psychotherapy. This means that in may cases people with mental disorders are able to manage their condition effectively and return to work which has an economic benefit.
