Status bias in Chinese scholarly publishing: an exploratory study based on mixed methods

Area of Science:

• Humanities and Social Sciences
• Academic Publishing
• Publication Ethics

Background:

• Responsible academic journals are crucial for research integrity.
• Status bias in academic publishing can hinder scholarly advancement.
• Chinese-language academic journals face unique challenges in upholding ethical standards.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and reasons for status bias in Chinese-language academic journals.
• To explore the impact of this bias on junior researchers and students.
• To propose recommendations for improving publication ethics in Chinese academic journals.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods exploratory study.
• Analysis of Chinese-language academic journals in humanities and social sciences.
• Qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis.

Main Results:

• Widespread status bias identified in Chinese-language academic journals.
• Submissions from junior researchers and students are often rejected without full consideration of research quality.
• Key contributing factors include editorial resources, evaluation systems, departmental culture, and the broader academic environment.

Conclusions:

• Status bias is a significant issue in Chinese academic publishing, affecting early-career researchers.
• Addressing this bias requires systemic changes within editorial departments and the academic community.
• Adherence to international publishing ethics standards and programs like the Committee on Publication Ethics is recommended.