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Journal standards.

R Jackson1

  • 15 Kensington Mews, Palmerston North, New Zealand.

New Zealand Veterinary Journal
|July 21, 2005
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The extensive citation of non-peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals risks legitimizing questionable science. This practice degrades the peer-review process and can lead to the acceptance of unverified information as scientific fact.

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Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Science
  • Scientific Publishing
  • Research Integrity

Background:

  • The peer review process is a critical quality control mechanism for scientific literature, assuring readers of acceptable standards.
  • Recent issues of the New Zealand Veterinary Journal have featured extensive citations of non-peer-reviewed papers, particularly concerning farmed deer health and welfare.
  • While information dissemination is important, alternative publication venues like conference proceedings already serve this purpose.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To express concern regarding the increased citation of non-peer-reviewed literature within a peer-reviewed veterinary journal.
  • To highlight the potential negative impacts of this practice on the integrity of the scientific record and the peer-review system.
  • To advocate for maintaining clear distinctions between peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed scientific information.

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Main Methods:

  • Analysis of citation practices in specific issues of the New Zealand Veterinary Journal.
  • Review of existing mechanisms for scientific information dissemination (e.g., conference proceedings).
  • Discussion of the implications of citing non-peer-reviewed sources within peer-reviewed publications.

Main Results:

  • A significant increase in the citation of non-peer-reviewed papers was observed in the December 2002 issue of the New Zealand Veterinary Journal.
  • This practice was found to degrade the peer-review process and burden reviewers with evaluating uncertain scientific content.
  • Concerns were raised about the potential legitimization of questionable science and its acceptance as established fact.

Conclusions:

  • The extensive use of non-peer-reviewed citations undermines the credibility of peer-reviewed journals.
  • There is a risk of unverified information gaining undue legitimacy and potentially being misused by external agencies.
  • Maintaining distinct categories for peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed scientific literature is crucial for scientific integrity.