the role of peer review in the scientific process

Question 1

what is the first thing that must happen to make the findings well known?

Answer 1

To get the research published in a scientific journal

Question 2

What are peer reviewers?

Answer 2

Specialists in the area specific to the scientific journal, usually anonymous (often uses 2)

Question 3

What 4 things do peer reviewers check?

Answer 3

1. it is written in a generally agreed format
2. had a good research design, meaning the conclusions are valid
3. the researcher design is reported in such a way that enables it to be replicable
4. it is of high quality

Question 4

What happens if the report doesn’t meet the standards of the peer reviewers? why?

Answer 4

It will not be published to ensure the standards of quality are maintained in research and that unsubstantiated claims are not made

Question 5

What are the advantages of peer review?

Answer 5

• ensures that the work published and made available to the public is of the highest quality
• has benefits for researchers and institutions as if a researcher manages to get published in a well thought of academic journal it will enhance their career and the reputation of the research institution for which they work

Question 6

What are the disadvantages of peer review?

Answer 6

• the reviewer may be biased- may not want work published if it goes against their opinions or findings- lead to new findings never being made available
• some journals are better than others- researchers may decide that if they cannot get their work published in better journals then there is no point- again findings are not made available
• journals may struggle to find an appropriate expert to do the peer review- so peer reviewers may assess work they don’t fully understand- casts doubt on the quality control