Peer Review

• What is peer review?

  Peer review is the assessment of scientific work by experts in the same field.
• What is the main purpose of peer review?

  To ensure that research intended for publication is of high quality.
• What are the main purposes of peer review?

  • To identify worthwhile research for funding.
  • To validate the relevance and quality of research.
  • To suggest improvements or amendments to research studies.
• How does anonymity in peer review affect objectivity?

  Anonymity can lead reviewers to settle old scores or suppress rivals.
• What is the file drawer problem in peer review?

  The file drawer problem refers to the intentional non-publication of negative results.
• What misconception can arise from publication bias in peer review?

  It can create a misconception of the current state of psychology.
• What challenge is associated with finding experts for peer review?

  It can be difficult to find an expert who understands the work being reviewed.
• What did Smith (1999) argue about peer review?

  Smith argued that poor research is often passed due to a lack of understanding by reviewers.
• How does peer review affect the publication of research opposing mainstream theories?

  Research opposing mainstream theories tends to be suppressed in peer review.
• What is a consequence of established scientists' work being favored in peer review?

  The rate of change in scientific fields is slowed down.
• What is an example of fraudulent research mentioned in the notes?

  The MMR vaccine link to autism by Andrew Wakefield.
• What were the implications of the fraudulent MMR vaccine research?

  It caused an increase in measles cases due to public fear of vaccination.
• What is a lasting issue caused by fraudulent research like the MMR vaccine study?

  Many people remain anti-vaccine despite the research being discredited.