Affirmative citation bias in scientific myth debunking: A three-in-one case study.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Letrud K
PROVIDER: S-EPMC6733478 | biostudies-literature | 2019
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Publications
Affirmative citation bias in scientific myth debunking: A three-in-one case study.
Letrud Kåre K Hernes Sigbjørn S
PloS one 20190909 9
Several uncorroborated, false, or misinterpreted conceptions have for years been widely distributed in academic publications, thus becoming scientific myths. How can such misconceptions persist and proliferate within the inimical environment of academic criticism? Examining 613 articles we demonstrate that the reception of three myth-exposing publications is skewed by an 'affirmative citation bias': The vast majority of articles citing the critical article will affirm the idea criticized. 468 af ...[more]
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