peer review in psychology

Question 1

how do psychology use academic journals ?

Answer 1

communicate our research and findings

Question 2

what must research been done to and by who?

Answer 2

scrutinised by a small group of ‘peers’ known as peer review

Question 3

define peer review

Answer 3

the assessment of scientific work by others who are specialists in the same fields to ensure that any research intended for publication of high quality

Question 4

what do these ‘peers’ have to be ?

Answer 4

• experts in the particular field
• be objective and unknown to the author and researcher

Question 5

what is the process of ‘peer review’ ?

Answer 5

• once submitted –> checked by other psychologists in similar fields

Question 6

what do the reviewers look for when reviewing research ?

Answer 6

• research is considered in terms of its validity,significance and originality
• assessment of the appropriateness of methods and designs

Question 7

draw the flowchart of ‘peer review’ process :

Answer 7

STAGE 1: submit research paper to journal
|
STAGE 2: journal sends paper to independent experts or ‘peers’
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STAGE 3: peers will assess the quality of RM,validity,conclusions and etc
if ACCEPTED + if REJECTED
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could be flawed or suggested changes + re-submit
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STAGE 4: journal decides to publish

Question 8

what is an aim of peer review ?

Answer 8

to allocate research funding
–> independent peer evaluation takes place to decide whether or not to award funding for proposed research projects
–> which could be coordinated by the government - run funding organisations

Question 9

what is an aim of a peer review ?

Answer 9

to validate quality and relevance of research
–> all elements of the research are assessed for quality and accuracy
–> such as hypothesis , methodology , stats and conclusions

Question 10

what is an aim of peer review ?

Answer 10

to suggest amendments or improvements
–> reviewers may suggest minor revisions of the work and thereby improve the report
OR
–> in extreme circumstances they may conclude that the work in inappropriate for publication and should be withdrawn

Question 11

what is a limitation of peer review (LNOR) ?

Answer 11

• relies on a small number of experts –> results in an incomplete evaluation of study
• if experts aren’t well-versed in all aspects of research - some flaws may go unnoticed
• affects overall reliability of teh review

Question 12

what is a strength of peer reviews (EQC) ?

Answer 12

• ensures quality and scientific rigor of research
• process helps to identify any flaws or methodological issues
• make sure the research is scientifically sound –> maintains the high standards in psychological research

Question 13

what is a limitation of peer review (S+B) ?

Answer 13

• can be subject to reviewer bias –> may bring in their own personal opinions,preferences etc
  –> may be more inclined to approve research that aligns with their own views about a specific topic
  –> reviewer bias can undermine its effectiveness and fairness of the process