Analysing Retraction Notices of Scholarly Journals: A Study

Manorama Tripathi; Gayatri Dwivedi; Sharad Kumar Sonkar; Sunil Kumar

doi:10.14429/djlit.38.5.13103

Manorama Tripathi Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Central Library, JNU, New Delhi
Gayatri Dwivedi Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research, Mumbai
Sharad Kumar Sonkar Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow
Sunil Kumar Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/djlit.38.5.13103

Keywords: Retraction, Misconduct, Fabrication, Scholarly journals, Plagiarism, Research, False data

Abstract

Information and communication technology (ICT) is not an unalloyed advantage when talking about propagation and expansion of scholarly knowledge. The same ICT which acts as an enabler to research in the comfort of one’s study and preferred environment makes the researchers with weak conscience vulnerable to the temptation of research misconduct. Surprisingly, the same technology acts as a sentinel, helping academe nail such transgressions and withdrawing them or taking the contextual corrective recourse. Of late, there has been a substantial increase in the invalidation and withdrawal of research articles based on invalid data and findings. One analysed the retraction notices of 249 annulled articles, indexed in Scopus, during the period, 2000-2017. The study has highlighted that the majority of the retracted notices do not have explicit reasons for revoking the findings of research articles. It has stressed upon the immensely pivotal role of libraries in spreading awareness and sensitising researchers with regard to adherence to norms, ethics and policies of scholarly communication.

Author Biographies

Manorama Tripathi, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Central Library, JNU, New Delhi

Dr. Manorama Tripathi holds a Doctorate in Library and Information Science from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. At present, she is working as Deputy Librarian at the Central library, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, where she heads the Reader Services. Her work involves interalia, teaching and promoting the use of print and electronic resources among the students, researchers and faculty members.

Gayatri Dwivedi, Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research, Mumbai

Ms. Gayatri Dwivedi is working as General Manager – Strategic Management at Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research., Mumbai. She is also working as Assistant Professor in Finance.

Sharad Kumar Sonkar, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow

Dr Sharad Kumar Sonkar presently working as Senior Assistant Professor in the Department of Library and Information Science, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow. He has also taken a specialisation course in IT applications to library and information services from NCSI, IISC, Bengaluru. He has guided nine MPhil and 70 PG students. He has contributed more than 80 paper in journals, books and conferences.

Sunil Kumar, Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi

Dr Sunil Kumar is a Senior Analyst at Planning & Development Division, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi, India. His research interest includes social media in education, elearning, course management system, planning and funding of distance education. He has authored more than 35 papers, three monographs and two books.