Research methods: Peer review Flashcards
What is the basic definition of peer review?
When before publication in a journal an author’s scientific paper is assessed by people who are experts in the same scientific area as the author (peers)
What is the first stage of peer review?
Sumbit a paper to an academic journal, the journal then sends this paper to independant experts “peers”
What is the second stage of peer review?
Peers consider the quality of the paper including research design and the methods used. Considering if there were any extraneous variables that were uncontrolled. The data analysis will be checked as well as deciding if the results actually support the conclusions drawn by the author.
What is the third stage of peer review?
Peers decide if they can recommend the pape for publication.
During stage 3 two things can happen which are?
1) The paper can be accepted for publication 2) It can be rejected for publication - Suggest any changes that could be made before it can be accepted. If the research is majorly flawed, there may be a permanent rejection whereby there isn’t a single possibility of resubmission
What is the fourth stage of peer review?
The journal editor makes the final decision on if the paper will be published
Name and describe one positive of peer review
The scientist’s knowledge that their work will be checked and assessed by fellow experts is thought to self- regulate the quality of their work, the scientist is more likely to be honest in their reporting and more careful in their planning, how they conduct their study, how they analyse their data and justify their conclusions.
Name and describe a second positive of peer review
The media often reports scientific findings, the peer review system aids in science communication, helping journalists and the public decide if scientific claims should be trusted or not. This is import as acceptance of scientific findings that turn out to be flawed can reduce public trust in the scientific process.
