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GCSE Physics · key term
The checking of scientific findings by other scientists, who assess whether the methods, evidence and conclusions are sound.
Used by AQA and OCR
Specification 4.4.2.4 · Paper 1
Revise: Radioactive contaminationThis checking process is peer review. Reviewers may identify weak methods, missing evidence, mistakes or alternative explanations. Sharing the work also allows further studies to test whether similar findings are obtained.
Paper 1, Paper 2
The evaluation of new scientific work by other scientists with relevant expertise before it is accepted for publication.
When asked about peer review, explain how checking by other scientists improves reliability; merely stating that findings are published is not enough.
Do not claim that peer review proves a finding is correct. It checks whether work meets scientific standards; later reproduction and further evidence can still challenge it.
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Peer review helps prevent weak methods, unsupported conclusions and faulty reasoning from entering the scientific literature unchecked. It also gives other scientists greater confidence that published work meets minimum standards of scientific quality.