Peer review and psychological research and the economy

Peer review

- Before a piece of research can become part of a journal. Involves all aspects of the written investigation being scrutinised by a small group or usually two or three experts in the particular field. These experts should conduct an objective review and be unknown to the author or researcher

The aim of science

- To produce a body of knowledge based on the results of research. In addition to carrying out the research what matters is how this knowledge is communicated within the scientific community, and to the wider public. In psychology, most research findings are publicised through conferences, textbooks, but most often via academic journals

The main aims of peer review: To allocate research funding

- Independent peer evaluation also takes place to decide whether or not to award funding for proposed research. May be co-ordinated by government-run funding organisations, who are interested in establishing which research projects are most worthwhile

The main aims of peer review: To validate the quality and relevance of research

- All elements of research are assessed for quality and accuracy: the formulation of hypotheses, the methodology chosen, the statistical tests used and the conclusions drawn

The main aims of peer review: To suggest amendments or improvements

- Reviewers may suggest minor revisions of the work and thereby improve the report. In extreme circumstances, they may conclude that the work is inappropriate for publication and should be withdrawn

Evaluation of peer review: Anonymity

- 'Peer' remains anonymous throughout the process (more honest appraisal). However, some researchers may use this as a way of criticising rival researchers. This is made all the more likely by the fact that many researchers are in direct competition for limited research funding

- For this reason, some journals favour a system of open reviewing whereby the names of the researcher (s) are made public

Evaluation of peer review: Publication bias

- Natural tendency for editors of journals to want to publish significant 'headline-grabbing' findings to increase the credibility and circulation of their publication. They also prefer to publish positive results (file drawer problem). This could mean the research which does not meet the criteria is ignored or disregarded

- Ultimately, this creates a false impression of the current state of psychology if journal editors are being selective in what they publish

Evaluation of peer review: Burying groundbreaking research

- May suppress opposition to mainstream theories, wishing to maintain the status quo within particular scientific fields. Reviewers tend to be critical of research that contradicts their own view and much more favourable to that which matches it. Established scientists are usually chosen reviewers, meaning findings that chime with current opinion are more likely to be passed than new and innovative research that challenges the established order

- Thus, peer review may have the effect of slowing down the rate of change within a particular scientific discipline

Implications of psychological research for the economy

- How does what we learn from the findings of psychological research influence affect, benefit, or devalue our financial prosperity

Implications of psychological research for the economy: Attachment research into the role of the father

- At the time of Bowlby's maternal deprivation theory, childcare was seen as a mother's responsibility, and hers alone, whilst the father was free to carry out his 'natural' role as provider for the family. Recent research suggests that the father may fulfil a qualitatively different role from the mother (no less valuable in the child's upbringing). Both parents are equally capable of providing the emotional support for healthy psychological development

Implications of psychological research for the economy: Attachment research into the role of the father (implications)

- This new understanding may promote more flexible working arrangements within the family. It is now the norm in lots of households that the mother is the highest earner and so works longer hours, whilst many couples share childcare responsibilities across the working week

- This means that modern parents are better equipped to maximise their income and contribute more effectively to the economy