Peer review

Created by

eloise allen

Cards (5)

What is peer review?
Quality-controlled mechanism to ensure only valid, significant + original research is published in scientific journals = only high quality findings are added to body of scientific knowledge + conveyed to wider public
Give a basic outline of the peer review process
Research submitted for publication in scientific journal
Journal editorial board sends it out for peer review from panel of experts
Independent experts scrutinise report then consider results' validity
Peer reviewers make recommendations to editorial board about whether it is appropriate to publish study
Various recommendations can be made, e.g. publish with no changes/suggested revisions/after report's researchers make more suggested revisions
If report is deemed insignificant or unoriginal then the recommendation is not to publish
Why is peer review conducted?
It ensures:
Psychology's integrity retained -> only valid, reliable + relevant research published
Members of public not harmed by fraudulent/flawed research
Accuracy of psychological research findings trusted because studies are independently reviewed
How does the peer review process help the validation of new knowledge?
Reports assessed by independent observers = more likely to spot issues than researchers who originally did study
Increases probability of error identification -> validity of any new knowledge ensured
How can peer review impede the validation of new knowledge?
Research with findings that fit current scientific understanding may be published more easily (academic bias)
Subjective bias can limit publishing potential; if it goes against strongly held views of peer reviewers it may be rejected
'File drawer' effect -> studies more likely to be published if they support an alternative hypothesis
Slow process that delays publication of new knowledge
Replication studies not published often -> they are 'boring' although replication = vital
Not always possible to find experts to do peer review