Research Methods - Peer Review

Question 1

What is meant by peer review

Answer 1

Peer review is the process by which psychological research papers, before publication, are subjected to independent scrutiny by other psychologists working in a similar field who consider the research in terms of its validity, significance and originality.

Question 2

What are the 3 main aims of peer review

Answer 2

To allocate research funding – research bodies and the government will only give funding to worthwhile projects.
To validate the quality and relevance of the research – all elements of the research are assessed for quality and accuracy. This prevents dissemination of irrelevant findings, deliberate fraud and unwarranted claims.
To suggest amendments or improvements – this ensures the research is taken seriously and helps to identify errors or weaknesses. This is because authors and researchers are less objective about their own work.

Question 3

Describe the process and purposes of peer review.

Answer 3

Other psychologists check the research report before deciding whether it could be published.
• Independent scrutiny by other psychologists working in a similar field.
• Work is considered in terms of its validity, significance and originality.
• Assessment of the methods and designs used.
• Reviewer can accept the manuscript as it is, accept with revisions

Editor makes the final decision whether to accept or reject the research report based on the reviewers’ comments/

Question 4

What are the strengths of peer review

Answer 4

Establish validity and accuracy of research
Prevents acceptance of incorrect work
Published work is taken seriously

Usually anonymous
More honest reviewing
Anonymity used to criticise rival researchers
Strengthened - researchers compete for limited funding

Question 5

What are limitations of of peer review

Answer 5

Publication bias in journals 
Editors publish significant findings 
Increase credibility 
More likely to publish positive results 
Research that doesn’t meet this ignored 
Defeats purpose of peer review , false impression of psychology 

May suppress opposition to mainstream theories
Established reviewers , critical of research that contracts their view
More favourable to that which matches
New innovative research not passed
PR - slow down rate of change within psychology