peer review

• Peer review process


  Stage 1 - Researcher submits paper to an academic journal. The Journal sends paper to independent experts.

  Stage 2 - Experts review quality of design, methodology, data analysis, conclusions + consider if there was any extraneous variables.

  Stage 3 - Peers decide if they can recommend the paper for publication. If rejected - changes are suggested or there is no possibility of re submission.

  Stage 4 - The journal editor then makes the final decisions on if the paper will be published.
• The role of Peer review

  • Peer review is conducted across the sciences, it is how the quality of scientific work is assessed, and ultimately influences how science is carried out by practicing scientists.
• Blinded peer review


  Single blind - researcher doesn't know reviewers

  Double blind - reviewers don't know researchers
• Peer review definition

  When before publication in a journal an author's scientific paper is assessed by people who are experts in the same scientific area as the author (peers).
• Strengths of peer review

  + scientist's knowledge that their work will be checked by other experts is thought to self-regulate the quality of their work and are more likely to be honest in their reporting.

  + it helps journalists and the public decide if scientific claims should be trusted or not.

  + the quality of published peer-reviewed work can help assess the quality of different academic institutions.
• Weaknesses of peer review

  • Journals may struggle to find suitable peers in new or specialised areas of research with few experts
  • Professional rivalry can result in peers rejecting papers on non academic grounds.
  • Peers may just assume the work is correct and might fear a negative response.