Peer Review And Psychological Research And The Economy

Question 1

The role of 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

• the experts should conduct an objective review and be unknown to the researchers

Question 2

The aims of peer review

Answer 2

1. To allocate research funding - deciding whether to award funding to the research project
2. Validate the quality and relevance of research - R is assessed on quality and accuracy e.g. hypothesis, conclusions
3. Suggest improvements - researchers can suggest minor improvements or an extreme case, the work cant be published

Question 3

Evaluate peer review

Answer 3

Anonymity
- normally the ‘peer’ doing the reviewing remains anonymous
BUT - reviewers can use the anonymity as a way of criticising the rival researchers {all want theirs to be published, competition for funding}

Publication bias
- research’s can be selective in what they publish, to make it seem more ‘headline grabbing’. Data can be ignored.

Burying groundbreaking research
- may slow down the rate of change within a field - established scientists as peer reviewers are more likely to pass findings that chime with the current option than innovative ideas.

Question 4

Attachment research into the role of the father {implications on the economy}

Answer 4

• research has found that both parents are equally capable of providing the emotional support necessary for healthy psychological development
  … promotes more flexible working arrangements within the family
• many couples share childcare responsibilities throughout the week
  … means modern parents are better equipped to maximise their income - contribute to the economy

Question 5

The development of treatments for mental disorders

Answer 5

• absence from work costs the economy billions a year
• the development of drugs e.g. SSRI’s and cognitive therapies e.g. CBT
  … means that people with mental disorders are able to manage their condition and return to work