Question 1: Explain what is meant by 'peer review' in the context of psychological research.

Answer: Peer review is a process where other experts in the field evaluate a research study before it is published to ensure its validity, reliability, and academic quality.

Question 2: List two reasons why peer review is important in psychology.

Answer: It helps prevent flawed or biased research from being published and ensures that studies meet scientific standards.

Question 3: Describe a typical step in the peer review process for a psychological journal article.

Answer: After an author submits a study, experts in the field review the work, providing feedback and recommendations for improvements or revisions before publication.

Question 4: What might happen if a psychological study is not peer-reviewed before publication?

Answer: The study may contain errors or bias, leading to inaccurate conclusions and potentially misleading other researchers or the public.

Question 5: Identify two qualities that peer reviewers look for when evaluating a research study.

Answer: Clarity of methodology and validity of the results.

Question 6: Explain how peer review can improve the quality of a psychological research paper.

Answer: Peer review provides constructive feedback, identifies errors or weaknesses, and suggests improvements, which enhances the accuracy, clarity, and credibility of the study.

Question 7: Imagine you are a peer reviewer for a psychology journal. List three questions you would consider when reviewing a submitted study.

Answer: Are the research methods appropriate? Are the conclusions supported by the data? Has the study addressed ethical considerations?

Question 8: Draw a simple flow chart that shows the steps involved in the peer review process.

Answer: The flow chart should include: Submission of manuscript → Initial editor review → Selection of peer reviewers → Reviewers evaluate and provide feedback → Author revises the study → Final decision by editor → Publication or rejection.

Question 9: Sketch a diagram illustrating how peer review acts as a quality control system in scientific research.

Answer: A correct sketch would depict a research study passing through a 'quality control' filter of peer review, with arrows indicating feedback and revisions before the study is published.

Question 10: What are some limitations of the peer review process in psychology?

Answer: Peer review can be biased, slow, and sometimes misses errors or fraud, and may not catch all flaws in the research.

Question 11: Describe one way that peer review can be improved to better support scientific accuracy.

Answer: Implementing double-blind review processes where both authors and reviewers are anonymous can reduce bias and improve fairness.