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Citation and quotation accuracy in three anatomy journals
Ivan Kresimir Lukić1, Anita Lukić, Vicko Gluncić
1Department of Anatomy, Zagreb University School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia. iklukic@mef.hr
Clinical Anatomy (New York, N.Y.)
|September 18, 2004
Summary
Citation and quotation errors are prevalent in gross anatomy journals, with many major errors and indirect quotations. These findings necessitate editorial action to improve accuracy in anatomical literature.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Medical Publishing
- Scholarly Communication
Background:
- Citation and quotation errors are recognized issues in medical publications.
- Gross anatomy journals frequently reference historical anatomical studies, potentially increasing error rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence and types of citation and quotation errors in major gross anatomy journals.
- To compare error rates with findings in other medical fields.
Main Methods:
- Randomly selected 199 references from three leading gross anatomy journals (Annals of Anatomy, Clinical Anatomy, Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy).
- Verified accuracy of selected references against original sources.
- Classified citation errors (major, intermediate, minor) and quotation errors (major, minor).
Main Results:
- Citation errors occurred in 27% of references, with 38% being major.
- Quotation errors were found in 19% of quotations, with 94% being major.
- 24% of quotations were indirect references to secondary sources.
Conclusions:
- Gross anatomy journals exhibit a high proportion of major citation and quotation errors.
- A substantial number of indirect quotations were identified.
- These errors warrant significant editorial intervention to enhance the quality of anatomical publications.