RESEARCH METHODS: peer review and psychological research and the economy

Question 1

What is peer review?

Answer 1

The assessment of scientific work by others who are specialists in the same field, to ensure that any research intended for publication is of high quality.

Question 2

what is the role of peer review?

Answer 2

Before a piece of research can become part of a journal, it must be subject to a process of peer review – all aspects of the written investigation being scrutinised by a group of 2/3
experts (peers) in the particular field.

Experts should be objective and unknown to the author or researcher.

Question 3

What are the main aims of peer review?

Answer 3

1. to allocate research funding - peer evaluation takes place to decide whether or not to award funding for a proposed research project.
   This can be co-ordinated by government-run funding
   organisations such as the Medical Research Council – want to publish worthwhile research.
2. to validate the quality and relevance of research - all elements of the research is assessed for quality and accuracy: the formulation of hypotheses, the methodology chosen, the statistical tests used and the conclusions drawn.
3. to suggest amendments or improvements - reviewers may suggest minor revisions of the work and thereby improve the report. In extreme circumstances, they may conclude that the work is inappropriate for publication and should be withdrawn.

Question 4

what are benefits of peer review?

Answer 4

It establishes validity and accuracy of research

Question 5

evaluate anonymity in peer review?

Answer 5

+ The peer doing the reviewing remains anonymous throughout the process is more likely to produce a more honest appraisal.

• a minority of reviewers may use their anonymity as a way of criticising rival researchers. This is why some journals favour a system of open reviewing where the names of the reviewers are made public.

Question 6

what is the problem with publication bias?

Answer 6

Editors of journals will want to publish significant headline grabbing findings to increase the credibility and circulation of their publication, also prefer to publish positive results. This could mean that research not meeting this criteria is ignored/disregarded, creates a false impression of current state of psychology

Question 7

what is the problem with groundbreaking research?

Answer 7

-Reviewers are more likely to be established scientists=findings that chime with current opinion are more likely to be passed than innovative research that challenges the established order.
Therefore, peer review may have the effect of slowing down the rate of change within a particular scientific discipline.

Question 8

what is is meant by ‘implications of research for the economy’?

Answer 8

how does what we learn from the findings of psychological research influence, affect, benefit or devalue our financial prosperity

Question 9

how does research into the role of the father impact the economy?

Answer 9

Research has shown that both parents are equally capable of providing the emotional support necessary for healthy psychological development.
This may promote more flexible working arrangements for families
Modern parents are therefore better equipped to maximise their income and contribute more effectively to the economy

Question 10

how does the development of treatments for mental disorders impact the economy

Answer 10

absence from work costs economy around £15 billion a year
A third of absences due to mental health disorders
Better access to treatment means people with these disorders are able to manage their condition effectively and return to work
This means less absences therefore less wasted costs.