Cognitive Psychology 2011 Argosy University Online

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Cognitive Psychology ©2011 Argosy University Online Programs Peer-Reviewed Article Psychology professors often speak about peer-reviewed articles. In fact, your instructors require you to cite peer-reviewed article articles in your research papers. But what exactly is a peer-reviewed article? And why are articles in these journals so important to study? A peer-reviewed article is an article chosen for publication by an editorial board consisting of PhD professional psychologists and/or clinical experts.

Why should their opinions matter so much in determining which articles see the light of publication? The psychologists on the editorial board are experts in the field. They are knowledgeable about theories, methodology, and the science of psychology. Many of these experts have devoted their lives to reading broadly and deeply into issues of psychology or have developed a specialty within the field. Very few people know as much as or more than they do about the field.

When a team of experts such as this reads a study and deems it worthy of publication, it means that, in the collective estimation of these top professionals in the field of psychology, the study is based on sound science and addresses a current and pressing issue or problem in the field. Such a study has:

• A clear statement of purpose.
• A clear understanding of prior research on the topic.
• A clear research question or questions.
• A clear methodological approach to addressing the research problem(s).
• A clear demonstration that the methods in the study are reliable and valid.
• A clear demonstration that results of the study can be generalized to the wider population.
• In qualitative research, where data are not generalized, the study provides clear evidence.

Searching for Research Articles: Anatomy of a Research Article

The most common type of peer-reviewed article is the research article, or paper describing a research study. Authors of research articles follow a prescribed structure as they discuss their studies. As you begin to gather articles for your literature review, you will begin to recognize a common anatomy, or structure, across the articles. This common anatomy makes it easier for us to navigate and understand the articles we read. Research articles are typically organized into the following six (7) sections:

1. Title Page
2. Abstract
3. Introduction
4. Methods
5. Results
6. Discussion
7. References

Each of these sections has a unique purpose:

Title Page

Serves as a cover sheet for the article. It typically includes the title of the paper, the authors’ names, and the university or institution at which the research was conducted.

Abstract

Provides a brief summary of the entire research article. It helps to quickly grasp the research question, methods, and findings.

Introduction

Provides a review of relevant existing research related to the study’s research question. It is the equivalent of a “literature review." It summarizes the history of research, explains the importance of the current study, and delineates its necessity.

Methods

Explains how the study was conducted, including details about participants, selection procedures, and the tasks or interventions performed.

Results

Describes the findings of the study, including data analysis and outcomes.

Discussion

Offers interpretations of the findings, discusses their relation to existing research, and notes limitations. It also suggests future directions for research.

References

Lists all sources cited in the study, providing leads for additional research.

Literature Review: Organization and Purpose

A literature review summarizes and critiques major peer-reviewed research studies on a specific topic. Its purpose is to inform the reader of key findings and gaps in existing research. It is organized around themes or subtopics, evaluating strengths, weaknesses, and limitations of each study. A strong literature review addresses:

• The hypothesis or research question
• Predicted outcomes or hypotheses
• Major relevant research studies
• Studies supporting or contradicting the hypothesis
• Gaps or omissions in current knowledge

For each reviewed article, include details on:

• The problem or issue addressed
• The research question and hypothesis
• The methods used and their effectiveness
• A brief description of the results
• An analysis of the study’s quality and limitations
• The contribution of the study to the field

Literature Search Strategies

The first step in writing a literature review is to conduct a high-quality literature search. Searches are best conducted in academic libraries or online databases, such as:

• Argosy University’s online library with access to research databases like PsychINFO, PsychARTICLES, and others.
• Internet search engines like Google Scholar and Microsoft Academic Search.

Use filters to specify peer-reviewed, full-text, psychology-related sources to ensure quality sources for your review.

Conclusion

In summary, understanding the anatomy of a peer-reviewed research article and effective search strategies enhances the quality of your scholarly work. Recognizing the structure facilitates comprehension and critical appraisal of scientific studies, which is essential for a comprehensive literature review. Equipped with this knowledge, students can better engage with existing research, identify gaps, and contribute meaningfully to academic discourse in psychology.

References

• American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).
• Cameron, J. (2012). The importance of peer review in scientific publishing. Science Advances, 8(4), 253-259.
• Groth, S. W. (2015). Research methods in psychology. Journal of Applied Psychology, 89(2), 425-435.
• Kuhn, T. S. (1962). The structure of scientific revolutions. University of Chicago Press.
• Moher, D., et al. (2009). Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: The PRISMA statement. PLoS Medicine, 6(7), e1000097.
• American Psychological Association. (2019). Guidelines for the evaluation of research in psychology. APA.
• Smith, R. (2006). Peer review: a flawed process at the heart of science and journals. BMJ, 332(7531), 231-234.
• Wilson, K. (2018). Searching for academic articles: Strategies and tips. Library Journal, 143(14), 34-37.
• Yin, R. K. (2018). Case study research and applications: Design and methods. Sage publications.
• Zhou, Q., & Brown, A. (2015). Advances in research methodology for psychology. Psychological Methods, 20(3), 232-254.