Should Peer Reviewers Sign a Code of Ethics?
Increased Scrutiny of a Critical Process:
A Google search for “peer review best practices” will produce over 5,600 results, with numerous examples of detailed manuals and…
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Publishing Research
Increase your knowledge of the publication cycle and handling of journal rejection
Were There Ever “Good Old Days” for Academic Research?
The Only Constant is Change
Any young scientist struggling with the competitive challenges of modern research can be forgiven for wondering if the “old days” of academic research…
Should a Peer Reviewer Be Paid?
Should a Peer Reviewer Choose Honor above Money?
The peer review process has always been considered to be a proud tradition in the academic community. Experienced and highly…
Why Are Journals So Slow to Retract Papers?
When Is a Paper Retraction Warranted?
The Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) offers specific guidance as to when journal editors should consider retracting a publication:…
The Mixed Blessings of Search Algorithms as Research Tools
What is a Search Algorithm?
In layman’s terms, an algorithm is a set of coding instructions or rules for a computer to follow in completing a calculation or problem-solving…
Should Retractions Come with a Penalty?
What Is a Retraction?
The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) makes a distinction between three types of responses to questionable articles or papers:…
What Is the Value of a Post-Publication Peer Review?
Opportunities for Correction
Authors will argue that articles and manuscripts are always open for correction until the last possible moment.
Colleagues are usually willing to…
What Is a Peer Review and Citation Ring?
Rigging the System
Collusion between bogus reviewers to improve the chances of an article getting published, also known as a “peer review and citation ring,” is becoming a serious…
Are Print Journals Doomed?
Who Can Forecast the End?
When Amazon introduced its first electronic book reader (e-Reader), the Kindle, in 2007, the reaction from the general public was overwhelmingly…
Should Academic Journals Provide a Service Charter?
What is a Service Charter?
In the commercial business world, a service charter is a public commitment on behalf of a business as to the level of service that their customers can…
What Is a “Low-Threshold” Journal in Open Access Publishing?
The Economics of Open Access Publishing
The democratic mission of open access publishing has always been built around both price as well as access. By changing the funding matrix…
What Constitutes a Good Peer Review?
In the world of academic publishing, a formal peer review can occur at different points in the publication process. Though not formal in structure, the first review of your…