Meta-Research: How problematic citing practices distort science

• DOI: 10.31222/osf.io/aqyhg
• Publication Date: 2021-02-22T14:57:41Z
• Authors: Serge P. J. M. Ho...; Kaare Aagaard; Jesper W. Schneider
• Keywords: Best practice

Citing practices constitute a core element in scientific research and communication which they serve several important functions. They both comprise the principal unit of science’s social reward system establish epistemic genealogy, showing foundations on claims are built. Distorted or problematic citing behaviour can hence have major harmful consequences for well-functioning enterprise. In this article we employ case study approach to show how, even field integrity, more broadly, meta-research, researchers commonly adhere suboptimal practices. Our findings highlight, among other shortcomings, an apparent lack critical engagement with cited literature, leading incorrect reproductions overgeneralisation supposed findings. We link such state crisis that science is currently claimed face, discussing how these might be symptom cause crises.