Peer review

The role of peer review

1. allocate research funding - whether or not to award a project funding
2. validate quality/relevance of research
3. suggest amendments/improvements

EVAL

Anonymity - peer remains anonymous throughout process → more honest
minority may use it to criticise rivals (competition for funding)
some use open reviewing - names of reviewers made public

Publication bias - ‘headline grabbing’ findings to increase credibility/circulation of publication
research not meeting this criteria = ignored/discarded
selectivity → false impression of current psych state

Burying groundbreaking research - may suppress opposition to mainstream theories
researchers critical of work that contradicts their own view
established scientists chosen → findings matching current opinion > new/innovative challenging established order

Research impact on economy - Attachment → role of father

Bowlby: monotropic rls with mother
Fathers fulfil qualitatively different role than mother
Both parents provide emotional support for healthy psych development
Flexible work arrangements
Some mothers = higher earners & work more hours
Couples share responsibilites across working week
Maximise income → better for economy

Research impact on economy - Development of treatment for mental disorders

Absence from work costs economy £15 billion per year
1/3 absences = mild to moderate mental health disorders (e.g. depression - 2014)
Treatment of mental health - important to economy
Psychotheraputic drugs & Antianxiety drugs
Psychotherapies (e.g. systematic desensitisation)