Overview

This independent study based module will enable students to gain an in-depth understanding of the peer review process that is involved in manuscript publication. Consequently, students will first work closely with their supervisor to perform an initial review of a research article in the style of an academic peer review. For the second part of the module students will respond to reviewer comments regarding a specific document to adequately address the points that have been raised by the reviewer. Collectively this will mean that the student gains critical practice regarding how to prepare their own manuscripts (e.g., research proposal, dissertation) and how to critically review the research of others.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Pass: Fair understanding evident via reasonably well structured assignments however some irrelevance is present. Presentation of information contains several factual or interpretational errors. There will be somewhat limited evidence of sound critical thought and some (but limited) grasp of relevant study design and statistical issues. In addition to some ability to formulate arguments and justification there will also be only relatively limited evidence of effective problem solving when addressing points raised by a reviewer.

-good -Merit: Some very good understanding evident via well structured and somewhat concise assignments. Good presentation of information which is mostly free of factual or interpretational errors. There will be some good evidence of critical thought as well as a good grasp of relevant study design andstatistical issues. In addition to an ability to formulate arguments and justification there will also be evidence of some effective problem solving when addressing points raised by a reviewer.

-Distinction: Excellent understanding evident via well structured assignments. Presentation of information is excellent and in line with expected standards of an academic. Excellent evidence of critical thought, study design and statistical issues. Excellent ability to formulate arguments and justify comments / responses. Excellent evidence of problem solving, where relevant with little to no typographical errors and lapses in phrasing.

Learning Outcomes

• On successful completion of this module students will be able to comprehensively address reviewer questions in the advocated style of a manuscript author

• On successful completion of this module students will be able to critically engage in the peer review research process in a way that illustrates awareness of how the peer review process is performed (e.g., structure, terminology)

• On successful completion of this module students will be able to critique contemporary empirical research in the advocated style of an academic reviewer

• On successful completion of this module students will be able to express complex research-related issues / principles concisely