Peer review and psychological research and the economy

• What is peer review?

  All aspects of the investigation are examined by experts in the field.
• Aims of peer review

  • Funding: allocate research funding
  • Validation of the quality and relevance of research
  • Improvements are suggested
• Strength of peer review

  Minimises possibility of fraudulent research and means published research is of the highest quality.
• Limitations of peer review

  • A minority of reviewers may use their anonymous status to criticise rival researchers.
  • Tendency for editors of journals to want to publish ‘headline-grabbing’ findings.
  • Reviewers mat be much more critical of research that contradicts their own view.
• Attachment research into the role of the father

  • Recent research has stressed the importance of the father in a child’s development.
  • This may promote more flexible working arrangements in the family.
  • This means that modern parents are better equipped to contribute more effectively to the economy.
• The development of treatment for mental disorders

  • A third of all days off are caused by mental disorders.
  • Psychological research into the causes and treatments or mental disorders means that people have access to therapies and drugs.
  • People with mental disorders can manage their condition effectively, return to work and contribute to the economy.