Retractions: correcting the scientific literature
From The Embassy of Good Science
ThemesRetractions: correcting the scientific literature
What is this about?
Retraction is the process of withdrawal from publication of those articles that display seriously flawed or erroneous data. Retraction aims to correct the scholarly literature and alert readers of an article’s serious mistakes (1). The flawed data can be the result of honest error or from research misconduct. When unnoticed, retracted papers are still seen as valid and decrease the trustworthiness of science that follows.
Why is this important?
The integrity of the scientific record is important because published research serves as a basis for new research or application in practice. If the published report on research results is not correct, it may waste future research effort and, what is more dangerous, have direct adverse effects on the public. This is particularly relevant for health research because incorrect health research results may cause harm to patients or the general population. After publication, when it becomes apparent that the results and/or interpretations of an article are seriously flawed, an article can be retracted. Retraction differs from correction, where an article is corrected after publication. Retraction is more serious as a retracted paper should no longer be considered as a source of scientific knowledge. It is also a signal to alert other scholars of the errors. Main reasons for retraction are honest research errors, plagiarism, redundant publication, fabrication, falsification, experimental artefacts and unexplained irreproducibility (2,3). The COPE guidelines state that retractions are not to punish the authors. In addition, authors of a paper, as well as others, can call for a retraction upon discovering errors. COPE guidelines state that retracted papers should be labelled as retracted and be accessible (both offline and online). Most journals have their own retraction guidelines. Over the years an increase in the percentage of retracted papers is observed (3). The two possible explanations for this are 1) an increase in pressure to publish flawed papers or 2) an increase in detection of such flaws (4). Nonetheless, retractions have an impact on the scientific community. First, it is a waste of resources, both in financial terms, time and participants. Second, when unnoticed, authors implicitly or explicitly use retracted sources as valid scientific results leading to decreasing trustworthiness of science (5).
For whom is this important?
The Embassy Editorial team, Iris Lechner, Elsa Amin, Ana Marušić, Lennart van der Molen contributed to this theme. Latest contribution was Aug 18, 2021
