Strength = protects quality of published research
Minimises possibility of fraudulent research AND means published research is of the highest quality
Preserves the reputation of psychology as a science and increases the credibility and status of the subject
Limitation = anonymity may be used to criticise rival research
A minority of reviewers may use their anonymous status to criticise rival researchers
Often there is competition for limited research funding so this may be an issue
Limitation = publication bias
Tendency for editors of journals to want to publish ‘headline-grabbing’ findings
Means research that doesn’t meet this criterion is ignored
Limitation = ground-breaking research may be buried
Reviewers may be much more critical of research that contradicts their own view
Peer review may slow down the rate of change within scientific disciplines
