Peer review in the Scientific Process

Question 1

What are the 3 aims within the role of peer review in the scientific process?

Answer 1

To allocate research funding, to validate the quality, to suggest amendments or improvements

Question 2

What is ‘to allocate research funding’?

Answer 2

To decide whether or not to award funding for a proposed research project. May be coordinated by government funding organisations such as the Medical Research Council.

Question 3

What is ‘to validate the quality’?

Answer 3

All elements of research are assessed for quality and accuracy , the formulation of hypothesis, the methodology chosen, the statistical tests used and the conclusions drawn.

Question 4

What is ‘to suggest amendments or improvements’?

Answer 4

Reviewers may suggest minor revisions of the work and thereby improve the report or in extreme circumstances, they may conclude that the work is inappropriate for publication and should be withdrawn.

Question 5

Who are the ‘peers’ in peer reviews?

Answer 5

Experts in the exact field of research.

Question 6

The role of peer review in the scientific process- evaluation 1 strength?

Answer 6

Anonymity- The peer doing the reviewing should remain anonymous to produce an honest appraisal.

Question 7

The role of peer review in the scientific process- evaluation 2 weakness?

Answer 7

Publication bias and file drawer. May want to publish headline grabbing findings to increase the credibility and circulation of their publication.

Question 8

The role of peer review in the scientific process- evaluation 3 weakness?

Answer 8

Burying ground breaking research. The process may suppress opposition to mainstream theories. Reviewers tend to be especially critical of research that contradicts their own view.