Female-Authored Articles Are More Likely to Include Methods-Trained Authors.

Area of Science:

• Medical Research Methodology
• Academic Publishing
• Scientific Collaboration

Background:

• Studies suggest research quality correlates with author training in research methods.
• The inclusion of authors with advanced research degrees (Master's or Doctoral) in original research articles is a potential indicator of study quality.
• High-impact journals are key venues for disseminating significant scientific findings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the prevalence of authors with research degrees in original research articles published in leading medical journals.
• To investigate trends in the inclusion of such authors over time (1994-2016).
• To explore differences in prevalence based on journal and first-author sex.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of original research articles from four high-impact journals (NEJM, JAMA, Annals, Archives) from February 1994 to October 2016.
• Assessment of the prevalence of authors with Master's/Doctoral research degrees.
• Multivariable logistic regression to analyze associations with publication time, journal, and first-author sex, controlling for covariates.

Main Results:

• Of 3009 articles, 84.4% listed authors with research degrees.
• Prevalence increased from 1994 to 2016, but journal-specific patterns varied; Annals and NEJM approached 100%, while JAMA and Archives peaked earlier and declined.
• Articles with female first authors were more likely to list authors with research degrees (aOR=1.66).

Conclusions:

• The prevalence of research-trained authors in top journals has risen but shows recent declines in some publications, potentially impacting research quality.
• Higher prevalence in female-led articles may indicate differences in research team composition or unconscious bias in manuscript review.
• Continued monitoring of author qualifications and publication trends is warranted.