Retracted science and the retraction index
FC Fang, A Casadevall - Infection and immunity, 2011 - Am Soc Microbiol
Infection and immunity, 2011•Am Soc Microbiol
Articles may be retracted when their findings are no longer considered trustworthy due to
scientific misconduct or error, they plagiarize previously published work, or they are found to
violate ethical guidelines. Using a novel measure that we call the “retraction index,” we
found that the frequency of retraction varies among journals and shows a strong correlation
with the journal impact factor. Although retractions are relatively rare, the retraction process
is essential for correcting the literature and maintaining trust in the scientific process.
scientific misconduct or error, they plagiarize previously published work, or they are found to
violate ethical guidelines. Using a novel measure that we call the “retraction index,” we
found that the frequency of retraction varies among journals and shows a strong correlation
with the journal impact factor. Although retractions are relatively rare, the retraction process
is essential for correcting the literature and maintaining trust in the scientific process.
Abstract
Articles may be retracted when their findings are no longer considered trustworthy due to scientific misconduct or error, they plagiarize previously published work, or they are found to violate ethical guidelines. Using a novel measure that we call the “retraction index,” we found that the frequency of retraction varies among journals and shows a strong correlation with the journal impact factor. Although retractions are relatively rare, the retraction process is essential for correcting the literature and maintaining trust in the scientific process.
American Society for Microbiology