Peer review, psychological research and the economy Flashcards
What is peer review?
The assessment of scientific work of others who are in the same field of research
What is the 3 main aims of peer review?
1- Allocate funding to research
2- Validate the quality and relevance of the research
3- Suggest amendments/ improvements
Who carries out peer review?
Respected experts in the same field of research
What are the 3 main critiques of peer review?
1- Anonymity
2- Publication bias
3- Burying groundbreaking research
How is anonymity a criticism of peer review?
- Reviewer remains anonymous
- The minority of researchers may use their anonymity to criticise rival researchers, who they perceive to have crossed in the past
- Made more likely by the fact researchers are competing for limited funding
How is publication bias a criticism of peer review?
- Journal editors want to publish headline-grabbing findings
- Research that does not meet this criteria may be ignored or disregarded
- Creates a false impression of the current state of psychology
How is burying groundbreaking research a criticism of peer review?
- Suppress opposition to mainstream theories
- Researchers tend to be especially critical of research that contradicts their own
- Findings that chime with the current opinion are likely to be passed, than new and innovative research
What are the 2 main things developed by psychology that have positively impacted the economy?
- Attachment research into the role of the father
- Developments of treatment for mental disorders
What did Bowlby say about attachment?
A child can only ever secure a strong and long lasting bond with its mother
What does newer research show about the role of the father in attachment?
Parents are equally capable of providing the emotional support necessary for healthy psychological development
How does the insights into the role of the father in attachment impact the economy?
Promotes more flexible working arrangements within the family- now the norm that the mother is the chief income provider. Modern parents are better equipped to maximise their income and contribute more effectively to the economy
How much are absences from work costing the economy yearly?
£15 billion
What fraction of all absences from work are due to mental health disorders?
1/3
How do developments of treatments for mental disorders impact the economy?
Psychological research into causes and treatments for mental disorders encourage a healthy workforce. Psychotherapeutic drugs to treat disorders- maintain condition and return to work
