Peer Review

Question 1

What is a Peer Review

Answer 1

The assessment of scientific work by others who are specialists in the same field to ensure that any research intended for publication is of high quality

Question 2

What are the main aims of a Peer Review

Answer 2

To allocate research funding

To validate the quality and relevance of research

To suggests amendments or improvements

Question 3

Evaluation (Peer Review) - Anonymity

Answer 3

Usual practice for the peer doing the review to remain anonymous as they are more likely to produce an honest appraisal

However some reviewers use their anonymity as a way of criticising rival researchers

Question 4

Evaluation (Peer Review) - Publication Bias

Answer 4

Journal editors typically want to publish significant findings to increase their credibility and circulation
Also prefer to publish positive results

Research which does not meet the criteria may be ignored or disregarded

Question 5

Evaluation (Peer Review) - Burying Groundbreaking Research

Answer 5

Reviewers tend to be very critical of research that contradicts their own view and more favourable to those who match it

Finding that agree with current opinions are more likely to be passed than new innovative research that challenges the established order

Peer review may have the effect of slowing down the rate of change within a particular scientific discipline

Question 6

Evaluation (STRENGTH) - Research Quality

Answer 6

Detects fraudulent research
Establishes validity and accuracy of the research

Question 7

Evaluation (WEAKNESS) - Undetection

Answer 7

Fraudulent research may still go undetected

Question 8

Peer Review Method

Answer 8

1) Researcher wants to have their research published
2) Prepares a manuscript and sends it to a journal
3) Editor examines it and sends copies to the peer reviewers
4) Peer Reviewers read the manuscript, assess it and send it back to the editor with recommendations
5) Editor decides whether to accept or reject it