Peer review and psychology & the economy

what is peer review

• assessment of scientific work by experts in the same field

• done to make sure all research intended to eventually be published is of high quality

what are the main aims of peer review

• to know which research is worthwhile hence funding can be allocated to it.

• to validate the relevance and quality of research.. Important to prevent fraudulent research from being released to public

• to suggest possible improvements to research study

weakness of peer review

• publication bias- editors prefer publishing headline grabbing findings, positive results. Causes ‘file draw problem’ where negative results intentionally not published

• Anonymity- if anonymity isn’t maintained, reviewers may purposely not approve research with a rival to aid their own career

strengths of peer review

• maintains high standards of research so fundings is assigned to high quality research

• helps prevent scientific fraud

implications of psychological research for the economy

• absence from work cost economy £15bill a year, mainly due to mental health problems.

• knowledge gained from psychological research may contribute towards our economic prosperity.

Psychopathology linking to solutions for economic implications

• Created treatments (CBT, REBT, drug therapy for OCD)

• Means workers are able to return to work after having these treatments

Attachment linking to solutions for economic implications

• Role of the feather- found fathers can take on role of primary caregiver

• Means mothers can return to work

• More flexible working arrangements within families

• Both parents can look after child (limits nursery fees)

Social influence linking to solutions for economic implications

• Social influence leading to social change- minority influence, disobedient role models

• Lead to unions strike to make working conditions better

• Environmental campaigns- to reduce energy

Memory linking to solutions for economic implications

• Eyewitness testimony- how leading questions/ post event discussion effects EWT

• Led police using cognitive interview which reduced wrongful convictions- reduces waste of money, space in jail.