Journal article
Retracted articles use less free and open-source software and cite it worse
Quantitative science studies, pp 1-23
03 Nov 2023
Abstract
Abstract As an essential mechanism of scientific self-correction, articles are retracted for many reasons including errors in processing data and computation of results. In today’s data-driven science, the validity of research data and results significantly depends on the software employed. We investigate the relationship between software usage and research validity, eventually leading to article retraction, by analyzing software mentioned across 1,924 retraction notices and 3,271 retracted articles. We systematically compare software mentions and related information with control articles sampled by Coarsened Exact Matching by recognizing publication year, scientific domain, and journal rank. We identify article retractions caused by software errors or misuse and find that retracted articles use fewer free and open-source software hampering reproducible research and quality control. Moreover, such differences are also present concerning software citation, where retracted articles less frequently follow software citation guidelines regarding free and open-source software. Peer Review https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway/wos/peer-review/10.1162/qss_a_00275
Metrics
19 Record Views
2 citations in Scopus
Details
- Title
- Retracted articles use less free and open-source software and cite it worse
- Creators
- David Schindler - University of RostockErjia Yan - Drexel UniversitySascha Spors - University of RostockFrank Krüger - University of Rostock
- Publication Details
- Quantitative science studies, pp 1-23
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Information Science
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85186598960
- Other Identifier
- 991021811634304721