Peer Review

• Outline the process of peer review.

  The report is independently scrutinised by experts in a similar field.

  They will consider how appropriate the methods were, how valid the findings are, whether any errors have been made and how original and relevant the study is.

  Based on their review, they can accept the report as it is, accept it as long as the researcher makes some minor adjustments, suggest the author makes more substantial revisions and re-submits the report for another peer review, or reject the report without the possibility of re-submission.
• Explain the purpose/benefits of peer review.

  Ensures the findings are accurate as showing the work to others increases the likelihood that any mistakes would be identified. This helps to prevent misinterpretations or false conclusions.

  Helps to prevent plagiarism as reviewers will check whether the author has used any work that is not theirs without appropriately citing and referencing it.

  Ensures the research being published is of high quality as the reviewers will check the methodologies, data analysis etc.
• Explain the limitations of peer review.

  Peer review can be subjective and biased as experts in a similar field may have a conflict of interest.

  There is also a bias in that reports that have found a significant result are more likely to be published than reports that have not found a significant result. This means that findings that challenge existing understanding are overlooked which prevents the continuous advancement of Psychology.

  Peer review can be difficult in new areas of research as it can be difficult to find an expert in a similar field.