Abstract:

[Purposes] Based on Retraction Watch database and Web of Science (WoS) database, this paper aims to compare and analyze the characteristics of retracted papers from China, Japan, India, and Republic of Korea, and explore the differences and inner laws of retracted papers characteristics among countries with similar cultural background. [Methods] Through Retraction Watch database, the data of retracted papers characteristics in four countries from 2016 to 2020 were searched. Through WoS database, the total number of published articles in four countries from 2016 to 2020 and JCR division of retraction journals were also searched. The item-by-item statistics on the characteristics of relative retraction ratio, retraction time lag, retraction reasons, retraction journal attribute, and discipline which the retracted papers belonged to were conducted, and the relevant characteristics differences among four countries were analyzed statistically and comparatively. [Findings] China's relative retraction ratio and average retraction time lag are higher than those of the other three countries. Among four countries, the percentage of retracted papers due to academic misconduct is the highest. The retraction journals are predominantly included in WoS database, with journals included in JCR Q1 and Q2 dominating the WoS-indexed journals. The percentage of retracted papers in the basic life sciences in four countries is the highest. [Conclusions] The characteristics of retracted papers in countries with similar cultural backgrounds not only show certain differences, but also have certain consistency. It is suggested that domestic scholars should have an in-depth understanding of the relevant characteristics of the retracted papers, and improve the awareness of scientific research integrity and academic norms. Domestic journals should strengthen the examination and review of papers in advance, and establish the system and mechanism of paper retraction afterwards.

Key words: Retraction Watch database, Web of Science database, Retracted paper, Retraction characteristic, China, Japan, India, Republic of Korea

摘要：

【目的】基于撤稿观察数据库并结合Web of Science(WoS)数据库,统计分析中国、日本、印度和韩国的被撤销论文特征,探讨具有相似文化背景国家之间的论文撤销特征差异和内在规律,为国内学者、科技期刊、科研管理部门积极应对论文撤销和学术不端问题提供参考。【方法】通过撤稿观察数据库,检索2016—2020年四国被撤销论文相关特征数据;通过WoS数据库,检索四国2016—2020年发文量和被撤销论文所在期刊JCR分区,对相对撤销发文比、撤销时滞、撤销原因、被撤销论文所在期刊属性、被撤销论文所属学科等相关特征进行逐项统计,对四国的被撤销论文特征差异进行统计学比较分析。【结果】中国相对撤销发文比、平均撤销时滞高于其他三国;四国中,由学术不端行为导致的撤稿占比均最高;被撤销论文所在的期刊以WoS收录期刊为主,WoS收录期刊中又以处于JCR Q1区和Q2区的期刊为主;被撤销论文所属学科占比最高的为基础生命科学领域。【结论】具有相似文化背景国家的论文撤销特征既存在差异性,也存在一致性。建议国内学者深入了解被撤销论文的相关特征,提升科研诚信和学术规范意识;国内期刊应事前加强论文审核审查、事后建立健全论文撤销体制机制。

关键词: 撤稿观察数据库, Web of Science数据库, 被撤销论文, 撤销特征, 中国, 日本, 印度, 韩国