Citing literature in biomedical research

Citing literature

  • Vedrana Pavlovic Institute for Medical Statistics and Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade
Keywords: Citation, Biomedical literature, Accuracy

Abstract


Abstract

Even though it is considered to be the least demanding part while writing a paper, significant attention should be devoted to citing literature. By using citation, original authors are acknowledged, readers are directed to the used material, validity of the used sources is confirmed, evidence of current research is provided, and plagiarism is avoided.  Numerous shortcomings in the citation of scientific literature have been recognized in recent times. Results of a recent meta-analysis showed that 25.4% of published scientific papers consisted of citation errors. The academic community encounters the problems of incorrect citations on a daily basis, and assessing the accuracy of citations requires considerable effort. Most researchers are aware of the presence of various citation errors, but few respect their presence, ie. the consequences of the identified problem. Assessing the presence and type of inaccurate citations in the biomedical scientific literature, as well as identifying factors associated with their presence, is important for preserving the integrity of the academic community. To improve citation accuracy in the biomedical scientific literature, recommendations for authors, mentors, readers and editors should be implemented in academic environment. These recommendations would encourage good citation practice, prevent errors and promote progress throughout the scientific community.

 

Key words: Citation, Biomedical literature, Accuracy

References

References
1. Milić N, Stanisavljević D, Trajković G, Miličić B, Bukumirić Z, Gajić M, Mašić S. Biomedicinska informatika. Foča; 2017.
2. Jergas H, Baethge C. Quotation accuracy in medical journal articles-a systematic review and meta-analysis. PeerJ. 2015;3(10):e1364.
3. van der Vet PE, Nijveen H. Propagation of errors in citation networks: a study involving the entire citation network of a widely cited paper published in, and later retracted from, the journal Nature. Res Integr Peer Rev. 2016;1(1):3.
4. Lowry SR. How accurate are quotations and references in medical journals? Br Med J (Clin Res Ed). 1985;291(6499):1421.
5. de Lacey G, Record C, Wade J. How accurate are quotations and references in medical journals? Br Med J (Clin Res Ed). 1985 Sep 28;291(6499):884–6.
6. Porrino JA, Tan V, Daluiski A. Misquotation of a Commonly Referenced Hand Surgery Study. J Hand Surg Am. 2008;33(1):2.e1-2.e9.
7. Knirk JL, Jupiter JB. Intra-articular fractures of the distal end of the radius in young adults. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1986;68(5):647–59.
8. Smith N, Cumberledge A. Quotation errors in general science journals: Quotation Errors in Science Journals. Proc R Soc A Math Phys Eng Sci. 2020;476(2242).
9. Singh S, Chaudhary R. Accuracy of references cited in articles published in Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology: a pilot study. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2009;75(5):488–91.
10. Buijze GA, Weening AA, Poolman RW, Bhandari M, Ring D. Predictors of the accuracy of quotation of references in peer-reviewed orthopaedic literature in relation to publications on the scaphoid. Bone Joint J. 2012 Feb;94-B(2):276–80.
11. Reddy MS, Srinivas S, Sabanayagam N, Balasubramanian SP. Accuracy of references in general surgical journals - An old problem revisited. Surgeon. 2008;6(2):71–5.
12. Fenton JEJEJE, Brazier H, De Souza A, Hughes JPP, Mcshane DPP. The accuracy of citation and quotation in otolaryngology/head and neck surgery journals. Clin Otolaryngol Allied Sci. 2000;25(1):40–4.
13. Lok CKW, Chan MTV, Martinson IM. Risk factors for citation errors in peer-reviewed nursing journals. J Adv Nurs. 2001;34(2):223–9.
14. Lukić IK, Lukić A, Glunčić V, Katavić V, Vučenik V, Marušić A. Citation and quotation accuracy in three anatomy journals. Clin Anat. 2004;17(7):534–9.
15. Luo M, Li CC, Molina D, Andersen CR, Panchbhavi VK. Accuracy of citation and quotation in foot and ankle surgery journals. Foot ankle Int. 2013 Jul;34(7):949–55.
16. Davids JR, Weigl DM, Edmonds JP, Blackhurst DW. Reference accuracy in peer-reviewed pediatric orthopaedic literature. J Bone Jt Surg - Ser A. 2010;92(5):1155–61.
17. Lee SY, Lee JS. A survey of reference accuracy in two Asian dermatologic journals (the Journal of Dermatology and the Korean Journal of Dermatology). Int J Dermatol. 1999;38(5):357–60.
18. Montenegro TS, Hines K, Gonzalez GA, Fatema U, Partyka PP, Thalheimer S, et al. How accurate is the neurosurgery literature? A review of references. Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2021;163(1):13–8.
19. Gupta P, Yadav M, Mohta A, Choudhury P. References in Indian Pediatrics: authors need to be accurate. Indian Pediatr. 2005;42(2):140–5.
20. Lawson LA, Fosker R. Accuracy of references in psychiatric literature: a survey of three journals. Psychiatr Bull. 1999;(4):221–4.
21. Awrey J, Inaba K, Barmparas G, Recinos G, Teixeira PGR, Chan LS, et al. Reference accuracy in the general surgery literature. World J Surg. 2011;35(3):475–9.
22. Al-Benna S, Rajgarhia P, Ahmed S, Sheikh Z. Accuracy of references in burns journals. Burns. 2009 Aug;35(5):677–80.
23. Evans JT, Nadjari HI, Burchell SA. Quotational and Reference Accuracy in Surgical Journals: A Continuing Peer Review Problem. JAMA J Am Med Assoc. 1990;263(10):1353–4.
24. Goldberg R, Newton E, Cameron J, Jacobson R, Chan L, Bukata WR, et al. Reference accuracy in the emergency medicine literature. Ann Emerg Med. 1993;22(9):1450–4.
Published
2022/04/07
Section
Mini pregledni članak