Peer review and psychology and the economy

• What is meant by peer review? (2)

  • the process of subjecting a piece of research to independent scrutiny by other psychologists working in a similar field who consider the research in terms of its validity, significance and originality
• Explain why peer review is an important aspect of the scientific process (4)

  • It is difficult for authors and researchers to spot every mistake. Showing the work to others increases the probability that weaknesses will be identified and addressed.
  • It helps to prevent the spreading of irrelevant findings, unacceptable interpretations, and deliberate fraud.
  • Peer reviewers also judge the quality and the significance of the research in a wider context.
  • This process ensures that published research can be taken seriously because it has been independently scrutinised by fellow researchers.
• Peer-reviewed research may be accepted, sent back for revisions or rejected,
• Briefly explain one reason why it is important for research findings to undergo a peer review process (2)

  • prevents spreading of irrelevant findings / unwarranted claims / unacceptable interpretations / personal views and deliberate fraud – improves quality of research
  • ensures published research is taken seriously because it has been independently scrutinised
  • increases probability of weaknesses / errors being identified – authors and researchers are less objective about their own work.
• Peer review is the process by which psychological research is scrutinised by independent experts (peers) before it is published.

  It helps ensure that:

  • The research is valid, reliable, and original
  • The methodology and conclusions are scientifically sound
  • The findings are appropriate for publication
• Purposes of peer review:

  1. Validation – Ensures accuracy of methods, data, and conclusions
  2. To assess Quality and Relevance – Prevents flawed, biased, or unscientific work from being published
  3. Allocation of funding – Used by organisations (e.g., government or charities) to decide where money should go
  4. Improvement – Reviewers suggest refinements or corrections before publication, or in extreme circumstances, the work is withdrawn if it is inappropriate.
• Limitations and Criticisms

  1. Publication Bias – Reviewers may be biased towards significant, 'headline-grabbing' findings and positive results, so results that deviate are disregarded.
  2. Anonymity issues – While meant to encourage honesty, anonymity may lead to harsh or unconstructive reviews.
  3. Suppresses innovation – Unusual or controversial research may be rejected if it goes against mainstream thinking.
• Psychological research has an impact on science and our understanding of human behaviour. But it can also have practical benefits to the economy.

  That includes effects on:

  • Productivity
  • Healthcare costs
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Crime reduction
• Attachment research has had a practical impact on the economy as it has led to early interventions (e.g., for insecure attachment).

  This has led to:

  • Better long-term social outcomes
  • Lower costs for social care and criminal justice
• Research into Mental health has had practical impacts on the economy as it has led to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which has been shown to be effective for depression.

  This has led to:

  • Reduced time off work - effective treatment means quick recovery, increasing productivity
  • Cut in NHS costs - cost-effective alternative to drug therapy, reduced long-term costs associated with hospitalisation
• Research into Memory (EWT) has had practical impacts on the economy as it has led to the cognitive interview, which improves the accuracy of testimony.

  This has led to:

  • A more efficient justice system