Pilot studies (and more)

Question 1

explain a pilot study?

Answer 1

• small-scale trial run of an actual investigation to pick up flaws in research
• researcher can identify issues and modify
• this saves time and money in the long run

Question 2

explain peer review?

Answer 2

• research papers are independently scrutinised by other psychologists working in a similar field
• consider research in terms of validity, and significance
• ensures poor quality research is not published

Question 3

what are the 3 aims of peer review?

Answer 3

• allocate research and funding
• validate quality and relevance of research
• to suggest improvements
  1. passed w/ no ammendents
  2. passed with some
  3. rejected

Question 4

evaluate anonymity in peer review?

Answer 4

WEAKNESS

• strength= person doing review remains anonymous so it is an honest appraisal
• but rival researchers may reject research as all researchers are in direct competition due to limited research funding

Question 5

evaluate publication bias?

Answer 5

WEAKNESS
-editors normally want to publish significant headline grabbing findings to increase popularity
-research that may not meet their criteria is ignored
=false impression of current state in psychology

Question 6

evaluate maintaining the status quo?

Answer 6

WEAKNESS

• peer review may suppress opposition to the status quo
• established scientists are more likely to be chosen= keeping current opinion, slows down rate of change + scientific development