The scientific process and peer review Flashcards
define peer review
the practise of using independent experts to assess the quality and validity of scientific research and academic reports
what are the purposes of peer review
1) allocate funding
2) allow publication of research in academic journals and books
3) allows the assessing of research ratings of universities and departments
how does peer review allow for the purpose of allocating funding
1) research is funded by government and charitable bodies
2) therefore public bodies such as medical research requires peer reviews to enable them to decide which research is likely to be worth while
how does peer review serve the purpose of allowing publication of research in academic journals and books
1) scientific journals and books allow the opportunity to share results of research with others
2) peer review prevents the publication of faulty or incorrect data from entering the domain
how do peer reviews serve the purpose of assessing the research ratings of universities and departments
1) universities and departments are expected to conduct research and this is assessed in terms of quality
2) peer review assesses this quality allowing for future funding of the department depending on rating of the REF peer review
what does REF stand of
research excellent framework
evaluate the weaknesses of peer review
1) finding an expert- not always possible;e to find an appropriate expert in the field therefore poor research may be passed due to the reviewer not truly understanding the topic
2) publication bias- journals prefer to publish positive results as they want to research that has important implications in order to increase the standing of the journal which could lead to misinterpretation of true facts
evaluate the strengths of peer review
1) anonymity= reviewers have their identity kept a secret which allows them to be honest and objective as research is conducted in a social world where individuals are competing all the time for funding
