| Abstract: | Psychology has not been sufficiently attentive to the need to demonstrate the effectiveness of mechanisms intended to ensure the quality of psychological services. The mechanisms are numerous, but peer review has been among the most prominent. Research is needed to justify reliance on peer review. Specifically, peer review must be demonstrated to be reliable in the decisions it produces, and those decisions must be valid in furthering more nearly optimal treatment outcomes. A peer review system must also be credible in the profession. Research can help to improve criteria for peer review, improve the processes by which it operates, and determine its effects on treatment outcomes. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
