Peer review- RESEARCH METHODS

Question 1

Peer review process

Answer 1

• Happens BEFORE publication in a journal
• Researcher submits paper to journal
• If the paper meets the journal’s aims and scope it is sent to external reviewers
• The reviewer is a researcher deemed an exspert in the particular field that the paper is on
• The reviewers do not know who ahs written the paper and likewise the author does not know who the review is (double- blind)- maximises objectivity

Question 2

The reviewers read the draft carefully- and what do they comment on?

Answer 2

• Appropriateness of the method used (to test aim)
• Ethical issues
• Sources of bias
• Operationalisation and control of key variables
• Reliability, validity and interpretation of findings
• Appropriateness of conclusions (conclusions = valid)
• The reviewer decides whether or not the research is worthy of publication in the journal
• The reviewers have a crucial role as controllers of the quality of published research that enters the public domain
• They consider validity, significance and originality
• A weak research design is unlikely to be published (rejected)
• Poor reporting may mean that minor or major changes have to be made by the researcher

Question 2

Publication of the research findings

Answer 2

• The research is now in the public domain
• Other researchers can attempt to replicate the findings with different samples etc
• Other research based on the findings can further the field
• Applications/ interventions may be based on the findings
• Other researchers can write into the journal to comment on the article and the original author may respond

Question 3

Why is peer review important for the scientific process?

Answer 3

• Researchers cannot spot every mistake in their own work- can’t trust there will be error- free work
• Increases probability that errors will be detected
• Prevent the dissemination of irrelevant findings, unsupported claims, unacceptable interpretations, personal views and deliberate fraud

Question 4

Main feature of science- What is objectivity?

Answer 4

• Not biased by personal opinions or viewpoints
• Not affected by the explanations of the researcher
• Systematic collection of measurable data

Question 5

How is objectivity achieved?

Answer 5

• Experiments- control of variables, random allocation of participants, observations, inter- rater reliability, double- blind study- another researcher collects data
• In psychology the “gold standard” of maximising objectivity is through carrying out carefully controlled lab experiments

Question 6

How did Loftus and Palmer car crash experiment achieve objectivity?

Answer 6

• Random allocation to conditions
• Filler activities- didn’t know what the critical question was
• Control of variables- I.V- change of verbs, D.V- estimates of speed in mph -> quantitative data- less likely to be subjective

Question 7

Threats of objectivity?

Answer 7

• Researcher bias (e.g Mead- collected data to support her own theory
• Participant bias- social desirability bias- change answers
• Demand characteristics

Question 8

Why is objectivity important in psychology?

Answer 8

• Increases validity and replicability
• Can identify cause and effect

Question 9

Main feature of science- What does replicability refer to?

Answer 9

• Can another observer gain the same outcome?
• What factors increase replicability?

Question 10

Why is replicability important?

Answer 10

1. Guards against scientific fraud
2. Allows scientists to check whether the results were a one- off due to the particular way that the study was carried out
3. Can be used to assess reliability

Question 11

Why is replicability important in psychology?

Answer 11

• Make sure other people can get the same results

Question 12

How is replication achieved in psychology in
1. Experiments
2. Observations

Answer 12

1. Experiments:
   - Control- participant variables (random allocation), situational variables
   - Careful methodology- objective measurements
   - Write a detailed procedure- so that someone can carry out your study
2. Observations:
   - Behavioural categories
   - Time/ Event sampling
   - Training observers
   - Covert observation- minimises demand characteristics