What is it called when authors trade citations?











up vote
45
down vote

favorite
5












Citation is one metric of researchers. That is why some of them lend citation to one another. For example, A writes a paper and cites B's work in it, and then B does the same for A, without the citations being relevant to the works.



Is there any word for such academic misconduct? I can think of "citation exchange", but I couldn't find any reference about it.










share|improve this question




















  • 7




    In some cases, this is just called "literature review". If you want to publish something new you'd be expected to demonstrate that you are aware of the state of the art in the field. If your field is fairly small, then it may become natural practice that you'll cite some authors and they'll cite you back. This is because you indeed consulted their (and likely improved upon it) and so did they to yours. @Scientist did place one clear line-trespassing example: When you submit a paper and the reviewer demand a citation.
    – Mefitico
    Nov 28 at 14:50






  • 6




    @CapeCode In some countries (e.g. mine), citation indexes are used to establish academic promotions at the national level and, indeed, there are rumours of authors creating citation rings to obtain these advantages. So, no, they're neither stupid nor vain, but fraudulent.Stupid are those who devised such a system.
    – Massimo Ortolano
    Nov 28 at 15:13








  • 3




    @CapeCode Really. And the selection according to those parameters is automatic and done at the national level: if you don't reach X citation and H h-index you cannot even apply for a promotion.
    – Massimo Ortolano
    Nov 28 at 15:29






  • 5




    @CapeCode Scopus doesn't filter citations from undetected citation rings, and, thus far, very few have been detected, like in the example I gave in my answer.
    – Massimo Ortolano
    Nov 28 at 15:46






  • 6




    Since many comment mention that two authors citing each other can happen in good faith, I took the liberty of adding a precision to make clear that irrelevant citations are those being considered here.
    – Benoît Kloeckner
    Nov 28 at 16:10















up vote
45
down vote

favorite
5












Citation is one metric of researchers. That is why some of them lend citation to one another. For example, A writes a paper and cites B's work in it, and then B does the same for A, without the citations being relevant to the works.



Is there any word for such academic misconduct? I can think of "citation exchange", but I couldn't find any reference about it.










share|improve this question




















  • 7




    In some cases, this is just called "literature review". If you want to publish something new you'd be expected to demonstrate that you are aware of the state of the art in the field. If your field is fairly small, then it may become natural practice that you'll cite some authors and they'll cite you back. This is because you indeed consulted their (and likely improved upon it) and so did they to yours. @Scientist did place one clear line-trespassing example: When you submit a paper and the reviewer demand a citation.
    – Mefitico
    Nov 28 at 14:50






  • 6




    @CapeCode In some countries (e.g. mine), citation indexes are used to establish academic promotions at the national level and, indeed, there are rumours of authors creating citation rings to obtain these advantages. So, no, they're neither stupid nor vain, but fraudulent.Stupid are those who devised such a system.
    – Massimo Ortolano
    Nov 28 at 15:13








  • 3




    @CapeCode Really. And the selection according to those parameters is automatic and done at the national level: if you don't reach X citation and H h-index you cannot even apply for a promotion.
    – Massimo Ortolano
    Nov 28 at 15:29






  • 5




    @CapeCode Scopus doesn't filter citations from undetected citation rings, and, thus far, very few have been detected, like in the example I gave in my answer.
    – Massimo Ortolano
    Nov 28 at 15:46






  • 6




    Since many comment mention that two authors citing each other can happen in good faith, I took the liberty of adding a precision to make clear that irrelevant citations are those being considered here.
    – Benoît Kloeckner
    Nov 28 at 16:10













up vote
45
down vote

favorite
5









up vote
45
down vote

favorite
5






5





Citation is one metric of researchers. That is why some of them lend citation to one another. For example, A writes a paper and cites B's work in it, and then B does the same for A, without the citations being relevant to the works.



Is there any word for such academic misconduct? I can think of "citation exchange", but I couldn't find any reference about it.










share|improve this question















Citation is one metric of researchers. That is why some of them lend citation to one another. For example, A writes a paper and cites B's work in it, and then B does the same for A, without the citations being relevant to the works.



Is there any word for such academic misconduct? I can think of "citation exchange", but I couldn't find any reference about it.







citations terminology research-misconduct






share|improve this question















share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited Nov 29 at 6:44









Wrzlprmft

32.5k9106178




32.5k9106178










asked Nov 28 at 10:47









user157323

431310




431310








  • 7




    In some cases, this is just called "literature review". If you want to publish something new you'd be expected to demonstrate that you are aware of the state of the art in the field. If your field is fairly small, then it may become natural practice that you'll cite some authors and they'll cite you back. This is because you indeed consulted their (and likely improved upon it) and so did they to yours. @Scientist did place one clear line-trespassing example: When you submit a paper and the reviewer demand a citation.
    – Mefitico
    Nov 28 at 14:50






  • 6




    @CapeCode In some countries (e.g. mine), citation indexes are used to establish academic promotions at the national level and, indeed, there are rumours of authors creating citation rings to obtain these advantages. So, no, they're neither stupid nor vain, but fraudulent.Stupid are those who devised such a system.
    – Massimo Ortolano
    Nov 28 at 15:13








  • 3




    @CapeCode Really. And the selection according to those parameters is automatic and done at the national level: if you don't reach X citation and H h-index you cannot even apply for a promotion.
    – Massimo Ortolano
    Nov 28 at 15:29






  • 5




    @CapeCode Scopus doesn't filter citations from undetected citation rings, and, thus far, very few have been detected, like in the example I gave in my answer.
    – Massimo Ortolano
    Nov 28 at 15:46






  • 6




    Since many comment mention that two authors citing each other can happen in good faith, I took the liberty of adding a precision to make clear that irrelevant citations are those being considered here.
    – Benoît Kloeckner
    Nov 28 at 16:10














  • 7




    In some cases, this is just called "literature review". If you want to publish something new you'd be expected to demonstrate that you are aware of the state of the art in the field. If your field is fairly small, then it may become natural practice that you'll cite some authors and they'll cite you back. This is because you indeed consulted their (and likely improved upon it) and so did they to yours. @Scientist did place one clear line-trespassing example: When you submit a paper and the reviewer demand a citation.
    – Mefitico
    Nov 28 at 14:50






  • 6




    @CapeCode In some countries (e.g. mine), citation indexes are used to establish academic promotions at the national level and, indeed, there are rumours of authors creating citation rings to obtain these advantages. So, no, they're neither stupid nor vain, but fraudulent.Stupid are those who devised such a system.
    – Massimo Ortolano
    Nov 28 at 15:13








  • 3




    @CapeCode Really. And the selection according to those parameters is automatic and done at the national level: if you don't reach X citation and H h-index you cannot even apply for a promotion.
    – Massimo Ortolano
    Nov 28 at 15:29






  • 5




    @CapeCode Scopus doesn't filter citations from undetected citation rings, and, thus far, very few have been detected, like in the example I gave in my answer.
    – Massimo Ortolano
    Nov 28 at 15:46






  • 6




    Since many comment mention that two authors citing each other can happen in good faith, I took the liberty of adding a precision to make clear that irrelevant citations are those being considered here.
    – Benoît Kloeckner
    Nov 28 at 16:10








7




7




In some cases, this is just called "literature review". If you want to publish something new you'd be expected to demonstrate that you are aware of the state of the art in the field. If your field is fairly small, then it may become natural practice that you'll cite some authors and they'll cite you back. This is because you indeed consulted their (and likely improved upon it) and so did they to yours. @Scientist did place one clear line-trespassing example: When you submit a paper and the reviewer demand a citation.
– Mefitico
Nov 28 at 14:50




In some cases, this is just called "literature review". If you want to publish something new you'd be expected to demonstrate that you are aware of the state of the art in the field. If your field is fairly small, then it may become natural practice that you'll cite some authors and they'll cite you back. This is because you indeed consulted their (and likely improved upon it) and so did they to yours. @Scientist did place one clear line-trespassing example: When you submit a paper and the reviewer demand a citation.
– Mefitico
Nov 28 at 14:50




6




6




@CapeCode In some countries (e.g. mine), citation indexes are used to establish academic promotions at the national level and, indeed, there are rumours of authors creating citation rings to obtain these advantages. So, no, they're neither stupid nor vain, but fraudulent.Stupid are those who devised such a system.
– Massimo Ortolano
Nov 28 at 15:13






@CapeCode In some countries (e.g. mine), citation indexes are used to establish academic promotions at the national level and, indeed, there are rumours of authors creating citation rings to obtain these advantages. So, no, they're neither stupid nor vain, but fraudulent.Stupid are those who devised such a system.
– Massimo Ortolano
Nov 28 at 15:13






3




3




@CapeCode Really. And the selection according to those parameters is automatic and done at the national level: if you don't reach X citation and H h-index you cannot even apply for a promotion.
– Massimo Ortolano
Nov 28 at 15:29




@CapeCode Really. And the selection according to those parameters is automatic and done at the national level: if you don't reach X citation and H h-index you cannot even apply for a promotion.
– Massimo Ortolano
Nov 28 at 15:29




5




5




@CapeCode Scopus doesn't filter citations from undetected citation rings, and, thus far, very few have been detected, like in the example I gave in my answer.
– Massimo Ortolano
Nov 28 at 15:46




@CapeCode Scopus doesn't filter citations from undetected citation rings, and, thus far, very few have been detected, like in the example I gave in my answer.
– Massimo Ortolano
Nov 28 at 15:46




6




6




Since many comment mention that two authors citing each other can happen in good faith, I took the liberty of adding a precision to make clear that irrelevant citations are those being considered here.
– Benoît Kloeckner
Nov 28 at 16:10




Since many comment mention that two authors citing each other can happen in good faith, I took the liberty of adding a precision to make clear that irrelevant citations are those being considered here.
– Benoît Kloeckner
Nov 28 at 16:10










5 Answers
5






active

oldest

votes

















up vote
51
down vote



accepted










In addition to the terms suggested by Scientist, another relatively common term is citation ring, here ring being used with the meaning (from Merriam-Webster):




7 a : an exclusive combination of persons for a selfish and often corrupt purpose (as to control a market)

b : GANG




Here are a few examples of usage of citation ring:




SAGE Publications busts “peer review and citation ring,” 60 papers
retracted




(Retraction Watch)




Some other problems of the method were well outlined by Ulrich Korwitz (pp. 107-110): the problems of self-citation and the citation ring [...]




(T. Roper, "Citation Analysis of the Veterinary Literature: A Tool to Understanding Scientific Communication" in Libraries without Limits: Changing Needs — Changing Roles: Proceedings of the 6th European Conference of Medical and Health Libraries, Utrecht, 22–27 June 1998)






share|improve this answer



















  • 2




    This one is new to me and sounds even better, thanks for adding!
    – Scientist
    Nov 28 at 11:34






  • 8




    Citation ring has the right ring to it (pun absolutely intended)... any chance you could strengthen the answer with a link to where you noticed that usage, like @Scientist did? I've heard of "citation cartels" he mentions (from the source he links), but not of "citation ring" despite you saying it's relatively common.
    – penelope
    Nov 28 at 14:25






  • 3




    That peer review ring scandal in Taiwan caused an Education minister to resign.
    – scaaahu
    Nov 28 at 15:03






  • 3




    @Scientist Oh my, never realized I might have started an upvote ring on a question about citation rings. If we get any more people in on it, we might even call it an upvote cartel :D
    – penelope
    Nov 28 at 16:45






  • 1




    My impression was that the terms "citation ring" and "citation cartel" suggest more than 2 authors.
    – Kimball
    Nov 28 at 20:15


















up vote
28
down vote













I believe this is unethical practice but not "officially" misconduct. There is some ongoing research on this, elsewhere.
Some sources call this "citation stacking", while others call it "citation cartels". Mind that these terms were coined for journals while they certainly can be applied to authors.



Such citation schemes are an adaptation of other more obvious citation-boosting strategies, such as self-citations or citations demanded by journal editors and reviewers, which are much easier to spot and expose.






share|improve this answer




























    up vote
    16
    down vote













    These are often referred to as citation circles, or citation cartels. See here.






    share|improve this answer





















    • cartel is very apt, plus 1
      – Solar Mike
      Nov 28 at 11:47


















    up vote
    3
    down vote













    Gaming the System – by authors



    Gaming the System: Manipulating the Impact Factor in Research (done by authors in the first quoted paragraph, and by journals in the second quoted paragraph):




    When it comes to research, many academics tell each other: “You cite my article and I will cite yours.” Academic departments and even the U.S. National Science Foundation have encouraged collaborative research as something positive, which can be true. However, many researchers routinely add their colleagues’ names to their papers as coauthors in order to make the researchers and their departments look good.



    (...)



    After an article is accepted by a journal, the author is oftentimes asked to add a few citations in the research article from that particular publication. Many, including myself, can testify to the practice of coercive citations. Authors now understand what is expected and load their articles with citations from the journal to which they are submitting before they are even asked.




    Gaming the System – by journals



    Increasing Citations and Improving Your Impact Factor (for journals wanting to increase their citations):




    At SAGE, we will help you increase article citations without “gaming” the system with shortsighted strategies that can only compromise perceived quality. We’ll do this by providing editors with the tools to make informed decisions about types of articles and topics they might wish to invite, which potential authors to contact for relevant papers, etc. More generally, all our marketing and online activities are developed with the aim of increasing citations.







    share|improve this answer























    • More generally, all our marketing and online activities are developed with the aim of increasing citations. Part of me just died.
      – Cliff AB
      Nov 30 at 19:23


















    up vote
    3
    down vote













    In the publishing world, it's called "logrolling".



    According to wikipedia




    Logrolling is the trading of favors, or quid pro quo, such as vote trading by legislative members to obtain passage of actions of interest to each legislative member.







    share|improve this answer



















    • 7




      This is completely unsourced and different to every other answer. Could you add a reference to where it's discussed under this name?
      – pipe
      Nov 29 at 12:53












    • I believe that is the term used extensively in "Wit's End", about the members of the Algonquin Round Table in the 1920s. The term is also used in the Wikipedia article on that topic, to describe the practice of making favorable mentions of other members' articles.
      – Wesley R. Elsberry
      Nov 29 at 17:58










    protected by Alexandros Nov 29 at 21:48



    Thank you for your interest in this question.
    Because it has attracted low-quality or spam answers that had to be removed, posting an answer now requires 10 reputation on this site (the association bonus does not count).



    Would you like to answer one of these unanswered questions instead?














    5 Answers
    5






    active

    oldest

    votes








    5 Answers
    5






    active

    oldest

    votes









    active

    oldest

    votes






    active

    oldest

    votes








    up vote
    51
    down vote



    accepted










    In addition to the terms suggested by Scientist, another relatively common term is citation ring, here ring being used with the meaning (from Merriam-Webster):




    7 a : an exclusive combination of persons for a selfish and often corrupt purpose (as to control a market)

    b : GANG




    Here are a few examples of usage of citation ring:




    SAGE Publications busts “peer review and citation ring,” 60 papers
    retracted




    (Retraction Watch)




    Some other problems of the method were well outlined by Ulrich Korwitz (pp. 107-110): the problems of self-citation and the citation ring [...]




    (T. Roper, "Citation Analysis of the Veterinary Literature: A Tool to Understanding Scientific Communication" in Libraries without Limits: Changing Needs — Changing Roles: Proceedings of the 6th European Conference of Medical and Health Libraries, Utrecht, 22–27 June 1998)






    share|improve this answer



















    • 2




      This one is new to me and sounds even better, thanks for adding!
      – Scientist
      Nov 28 at 11:34






    • 8




      Citation ring has the right ring to it (pun absolutely intended)... any chance you could strengthen the answer with a link to where you noticed that usage, like @Scientist did? I've heard of "citation cartels" he mentions (from the source he links), but not of "citation ring" despite you saying it's relatively common.
      – penelope
      Nov 28 at 14:25






    • 3




      That peer review ring scandal in Taiwan caused an Education minister to resign.
      – scaaahu
      Nov 28 at 15:03






    • 3




      @Scientist Oh my, never realized I might have started an upvote ring on a question about citation rings. If we get any more people in on it, we might even call it an upvote cartel :D
      – penelope
      Nov 28 at 16:45






    • 1




      My impression was that the terms "citation ring" and "citation cartel" suggest more than 2 authors.
      – Kimball
      Nov 28 at 20:15















    up vote
    51
    down vote



    accepted










    In addition to the terms suggested by Scientist, another relatively common term is citation ring, here ring being used with the meaning (from Merriam-Webster):




    7 a : an exclusive combination of persons for a selfish and often corrupt purpose (as to control a market)

    b : GANG




    Here are a few examples of usage of citation ring:




    SAGE Publications busts “peer review and citation ring,” 60 papers
    retracted




    (Retraction Watch)




    Some other problems of the method were well outlined by Ulrich Korwitz (pp. 107-110): the problems of self-citation and the citation ring [...]




    (T. Roper, "Citation Analysis of the Veterinary Literature: A Tool to Understanding Scientific Communication" in Libraries without Limits: Changing Needs — Changing Roles: Proceedings of the 6th European Conference of Medical and Health Libraries, Utrecht, 22–27 June 1998)






    share|improve this answer



















    • 2




      This one is new to me and sounds even better, thanks for adding!
      – Scientist
      Nov 28 at 11:34






    • 8




      Citation ring has the right ring to it (pun absolutely intended)... any chance you could strengthen the answer with a link to where you noticed that usage, like @Scientist did? I've heard of "citation cartels" he mentions (from the source he links), but not of "citation ring" despite you saying it's relatively common.
      – penelope
      Nov 28 at 14:25






    • 3




      That peer review ring scandal in Taiwan caused an Education minister to resign.
      – scaaahu
      Nov 28 at 15:03






    • 3




      @Scientist Oh my, never realized I might have started an upvote ring on a question about citation rings. If we get any more people in on it, we might even call it an upvote cartel :D
      – penelope
      Nov 28 at 16:45






    • 1




      My impression was that the terms "citation ring" and "citation cartel" suggest more than 2 authors.
      – Kimball
      Nov 28 at 20:15













    up vote
    51
    down vote



    accepted







    up vote
    51
    down vote



    accepted






    In addition to the terms suggested by Scientist, another relatively common term is citation ring, here ring being used with the meaning (from Merriam-Webster):




    7 a : an exclusive combination of persons for a selfish and often corrupt purpose (as to control a market)

    b : GANG




    Here are a few examples of usage of citation ring:




    SAGE Publications busts “peer review and citation ring,” 60 papers
    retracted




    (Retraction Watch)




    Some other problems of the method were well outlined by Ulrich Korwitz (pp. 107-110): the problems of self-citation and the citation ring [...]




    (T. Roper, "Citation Analysis of the Veterinary Literature: A Tool to Understanding Scientific Communication" in Libraries without Limits: Changing Needs — Changing Roles: Proceedings of the 6th European Conference of Medical and Health Libraries, Utrecht, 22–27 June 1998)






    share|improve this answer














    In addition to the terms suggested by Scientist, another relatively common term is citation ring, here ring being used with the meaning (from Merriam-Webster):




    7 a : an exclusive combination of persons for a selfish and often corrupt purpose (as to control a market)

    b : GANG




    Here are a few examples of usage of citation ring:




    SAGE Publications busts “peer review and citation ring,” 60 papers
    retracted




    (Retraction Watch)




    Some other problems of the method were well outlined by Ulrich Korwitz (pp. 107-110): the problems of self-citation and the citation ring [...]




    (T. Roper, "Citation Analysis of the Veterinary Literature: A Tool to Understanding Scientific Communication" in Libraries without Limits: Changing Needs — Changing Roles: Proceedings of the 6th European Conference of Medical and Health Libraries, Utrecht, 22–27 June 1998)







    share|improve this answer














    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer








    edited Nov 28 at 14:49

























    answered Nov 28 at 11:12









    Massimo Ortolano

    38.6k12115146




    38.6k12115146








    • 2




      This one is new to me and sounds even better, thanks for adding!
      – Scientist
      Nov 28 at 11:34






    • 8




      Citation ring has the right ring to it (pun absolutely intended)... any chance you could strengthen the answer with a link to where you noticed that usage, like @Scientist did? I've heard of "citation cartels" he mentions (from the source he links), but not of "citation ring" despite you saying it's relatively common.
      – penelope
      Nov 28 at 14:25






    • 3




      That peer review ring scandal in Taiwan caused an Education minister to resign.
      – scaaahu
      Nov 28 at 15:03






    • 3




      @Scientist Oh my, never realized I might have started an upvote ring on a question about citation rings. If we get any more people in on it, we might even call it an upvote cartel :D
      – penelope
      Nov 28 at 16:45






    • 1




      My impression was that the terms "citation ring" and "citation cartel" suggest more than 2 authors.
      – Kimball
      Nov 28 at 20:15














    • 2




      This one is new to me and sounds even better, thanks for adding!
      – Scientist
      Nov 28 at 11:34






    • 8




      Citation ring has the right ring to it (pun absolutely intended)... any chance you could strengthen the answer with a link to where you noticed that usage, like @Scientist did? I've heard of "citation cartels" he mentions (from the source he links), but not of "citation ring" despite you saying it's relatively common.
      – penelope
      Nov 28 at 14:25






    • 3




      That peer review ring scandal in Taiwan caused an Education minister to resign.
      – scaaahu
      Nov 28 at 15:03






    • 3




      @Scientist Oh my, never realized I might have started an upvote ring on a question about citation rings. If we get any more people in on it, we might even call it an upvote cartel :D
      – penelope
      Nov 28 at 16:45






    • 1




      My impression was that the terms "citation ring" and "citation cartel" suggest more than 2 authors.
      – Kimball
      Nov 28 at 20:15








    2




    2




    This one is new to me and sounds even better, thanks for adding!
    – Scientist
    Nov 28 at 11:34




    This one is new to me and sounds even better, thanks for adding!
    – Scientist
    Nov 28 at 11:34




    8




    8




    Citation ring has the right ring to it (pun absolutely intended)... any chance you could strengthen the answer with a link to where you noticed that usage, like @Scientist did? I've heard of "citation cartels" he mentions (from the source he links), but not of "citation ring" despite you saying it's relatively common.
    – penelope
    Nov 28 at 14:25




    Citation ring has the right ring to it (pun absolutely intended)... any chance you could strengthen the answer with a link to where you noticed that usage, like @Scientist did? I've heard of "citation cartels" he mentions (from the source he links), but not of "citation ring" despite you saying it's relatively common.
    – penelope
    Nov 28 at 14:25




    3




    3




    That peer review ring scandal in Taiwan caused an Education minister to resign.
    – scaaahu
    Nov 28 at 15:03




    That peer review ring scandal in Taiwan caused an Education minister to resign.
    – scaaahu
    Nov 28 at 15:03




    3




    3




    @Scientist Oh my, never realized I might have started an upvote ring on a question about citation rings. If we get any more people in on it, we might even call it an upvote cartel :D
    – penelope
    Nov 28 at 16:45




    @Scientist Oh my, never realized I might have started an upvote ring on a question about citation rings. If we get any more people in on it, we might even call it an upvote cartel :D
    – penelope
    Nov 28 at 16:45




    1




    1




    My impression was that the terms "citation ring" and "citation cartel" suggest more than 2 authors.
    – Kimball
    Nov 28 at 20:15




    My impression was that the terms "citation ring" and "citation cartel" suggest more than 2 authors.
    – Kimball
    Nov 28 at 20:15










    up vote
    28
    down vote













    I believe this is unethical practice but not "officially" misconduct. There is some ongoing research on this, elsewhere.
    Some sources call this "citation stacking", while others call it "citation cartels". Mind that these terms were coined for journals while they certainly can be applied to authors.



    Such citation schemes are an adaptation of other more obvious citation-boosting strategies, such as self-citations or citations demanded by journal editors and reviewers, which are much easier to spot and expose.






    share|improve this answer

























      up vote
      28
      down vote













      I believe this is unethical practice but not "officially" misconduct. There is some ongoing research on this, elsewhere.
      Some sources call this "citation stacking", while others call it "citation cartels". Mind that these terms were coined for journals while they certainly can be applied to authors.



      Such citation schemes are an adaptation of other more obvious citation-boosting strategies, such as self-citations or citations demanded by journal editors and reviewers, which are much easier to spot and expose.






      share|improve this answer























        up vote
        28
        down vote










        up vote
        28
        down vote









        I believe this is unethical practice but not "officially" misconduct. There is some ongoing research on this, elsewhere.
        Some sources call this "citation stacking", while others call it "citation cartels". Mind that these terms were coined for journals while they certainly can be applied to authors.



        Such citation schemes are an adaptation of other more obvious citation-boosting strategies, such as self-citations or citations demanded by journal editors and reviewers, which are much easier to spot and expose.






        share|improve this answer












        I believe this is unethical practice but not "officially" misconduct. There is some ongoing research on this, elsewhere.
        Some sources call this "citation stacking", while others call it "citation cartels". Mind that these terms were coined for journals while they certainly can be applied to authors.



        Such citation schemes are an adaptation of other more obvious citation-boosting strategies, such as self-citations or citations demanded by journal editors and reviewers, which are much easier to spot and expose.







        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered Nov 28 at 11:06









        Scientist

        7,08512557




        7,08512557






















            up vote
            16
            down vote













            These are often referred to as citation circles, or citation cartels. See here.






            share|improve this answer





















            • cartel is very apt, plus 1
              – Solar Mike
              Nov 28 at 11:47















            up vote
            16
            down vote













            These are often referred to as citation circles, or citation cartels. See here.






            share|improve this answer





















            • cartel is very apt, plus 1
              – Solar Mike
              Nov 28 at 11:47













            up vote
            16
            down vote










            up vote
            16
            down vote









            These are often referred to as citation circles, or citation cartels. See here.






            share|improve this answer












            These are often referred to as citation circles, or citation cartels. See here.







            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered Nov 28 at 11:31









            Spark

            1,14310




            1,14310












            • cartel is very apt, plus 1
              – Solar Mike
              Nov 28 at 11:47


















            • cartel is very apt, plus 1
              – Solar Mike
              Nov 28 at 11:47
















            cartel is very apt, plus 1
            – Solar Mike
            Nov 28 at 11:47




            cartel is very apt, plus 1
            – Solar Mike
            Nov 28 at 11:47










            up vote
            3
            down vote













            Gaming the System – by authors



            Gaming the System: Manipulating the Impact Factor in Research (done by authors in the first quoted paragraph, and by journals in the second quoted paragraph):




            When it comes to research, many academics tell each other: “You cite my article and I will cite yours.” Academic departments and even the U.S. National Science Foundation have encouraged collaborative research as something positive, which can be true. However, many researchers routinely add their colleagues’ names to their papers as coauthors in order to make the researchers and their departments look good.



            (...)



            After an article is accepted by a journal, the author is oftentimes asked to add a few citations in the research article from that particular publication. Many, including myself, can testify to the practice of coercive citations. Authors now understand what is expected and load their articles with citations from the journal to which they are submitting before they are even asked.




            Gaming the System – by journals



            Increasing Citations and Improving Your Impact Factor (for journals wanting to increase their citations):




            At SAGE, we will help you increase article citations without “gaming” the system with shortsighted strategies that can only compromise perceived quality. We’ll do this by providing editors with the tools to make informed decisions about types of articles and topics they might wish to invite, which potential authors to contact for relevant papers, etc. More generally, all our marketing and online activities are developed with the aim of increasing citations.







            share|improve this answer























            • More generally, all our marketing and online activities are developed with the aim of increasing citations. Part of me just died.
              – Cliff AB
              Nov 30 at 19:23















            up vote
            3
            down vote













            Gaming the System – by authors



            Gaming the System: Manipulating the Impact Factor in Research (done by authors in the first quoted paragraph, and by journals in the second quoted paragraph):




            When it comes to research, many academics tell each other: “You cite my article and I will cite yours.” Academic departments and even the U.S. National Science Foundation have encouraged collaborative research as something positive, which can be true. However, many researchers routinely add their colleagues’ names to their papers as coauthors in order to make the researchers and their departments look good.



            (...)



            After an article is accepted by a journal, the author is oftentimes asked to add a few citations in the research article from that particular publication. Many, including myself, can testify to the practice of coercive citations. Authors now understand what is expected and load their articles with citations from the journal to which they are submitting before they are even asked.




            Gaming the System – by journals



            Increasing Citations and Improving Your Impact Factor (for journals wanting to increase their citations):




            At SAGE, we will help you increase article citations without “gaming” the system with shortsighted strategies that can only compromise perceived quality. We’ll do this by providing editors with the tools to make informed decisions about types of articles and topics they might wish to invite, which potential authors to contact for relevant papers, etc. More generally, all our marketing and online activities are developed with the aim of increasing citations.







            share|improve this answer























            • More generally, all our marketing and online activities are developed with the aim of increasing citations. Part of me just died.
              – Cliff AB
              Nov 30 at 19:23













            up vote
            3
            down vote










            up vote
            3
            down vote









            Gaming the System – by authors



            Gaming the System: Manipulating the Impact Factor in Research (done by authors in the first quoted paragraph, and by journals in the second quoted paragraph):




            When it comes to research, many academics tell each other: “You cite my article and I will cite yours.” Academic departments and even the U.S. National Science Foundation have encouraged collaborative research as something positive, which can be true. However, many researchers routinely add their colleagues’ names to their papers as coauthors in order to make the researchers and their departments look good.



            (...)



            After an article is accepted by a journal, the author is oftentimes asked to add a few citations in the research article from that particular publication. Many, including myself, can testify to the practice of coercive citations. Authors now understand what is expected and load their articles with citations from the journal to which they are submitting before they are even asked.




            Gaming the System – by journals



            Increasing Citations and Improving Your Impact Factor (for journals wanting to increase their citations):




            At SAGE, we will help you increase article citations without “gaming” the system with shortsighted strategies that can only compromise perceived quality. We’ll do this by providing editors with the tools to make informed decisions about types of articles and topics they might wish to invite, which potential authors to contact for relevant papers, etc. More generally, all our marketing and online activities are developed with the aim of increasing citations.







            share|improve this answer














            Gaming the System – by authors



            Gaming the System: Manipulating the Impact Factor in Research (done by authors in the first quoted paragraph, and by journals in the second quoted paragraph):




            When it comes to research, many academics tell each other: “You cite my article and I will cite yours.” Academic departments and even the U.S. National Science Foundation have encouraged collaborative research as something positive, which can be true. However, many researchers routinely add their colleagues’ names to their papers as coauthors in order to make the researchers and their departments look good.



            (...)



            After an article is accepted by a journal, the author is oftentimes asked to add a few citations in the research article from that particular publication. Many, including myself, can testify to the practice of coercive citations. Authors now understand what is expected and load their articles with citations from the journal to which they are submitting before they are even asked.




            Gaming the System – by journals



            Increasing Citations and Improving Your Impact Factor (for journals wanting to increase their citations):




            At SAGE, we will help you increase article citations without “gaming” the system with shortsighted strategies that can only compromise perceived quality. We’ll do this by providing editors with the tools to make informed decisions about types of articles and topics they might wish to invite, which potential authors to contact for relevant papers, etc. More generally, all our marketing and online activities are developed with the aim of increasing citations.








            share|improve this answer














            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer








            edited Nov 29 at 17:03

























            answered Nov 29 at 16:39









            Daniel

            30418




            30418












            • More generally, all our marketing and online activities are developed with the aim of increasing citations. Part of me just died.
              – Cliff AB
              Nov 30 at 19:23


















            • More generally, all our marketing and online activities are developed with the aim of increasing citations. Part of me just died.
              – Cliff AB
              Nov 30 at 19:23
















            More generally, all our marketing and online activities are developed with the aim of increasing citations. Part of me just died.
            – Cliff AB
            Nov 30 at 19:23




            More generally, all our marketing and online activities are developed with the aim of increasing citations. Part of me just died.
            – Cliff AB
            Nov 30 at 19:23










            up vote
            3
            down vote













            In the publishing world, it's called "logrolling".



            According to wikipedia




            Logrolling is the trading of favors, or quid pro quo, such as vote trading by legislative members to obtain passage of actions of interest to each legislative member.







            share|improve this answer



















            • 7




              This is completely unsourced and different to every other answer. Could you add a reference to where it's discussed under this name?
              – pipe
              Nov 29 at 12:53












            • I believe that is the term used extensively in "Wit's End", about the members of the Algonquin Round Table in the 1920s. The term is also used in the Wikipedia article on that topic, to describe the practice of making favorable mentions of other members' articles.
              – Wesley R. Elsberry
              Nov 29 at 17:58















            up vote
            3
            down vote













            In the publishing world, it's called "logrolling".



            According to wikipedia




            Logrolling is the trading of favors, or quid pro quo, such as vote trading by legislative members to obtain passage of actions of interest to each legislative member.







            share|improve this answer



















            • 7




              This is completely unsourced and different to every other answer. Could you add a reference to where it's discussed under this name?
              – pipe
              Nov 29 at 12:53












            • I believe that is the term used extensively in "Wit's End", about the members of the Algonquin Round Table in the 1920s. The term is also used in the Wikipedia article on that topic, to describe the practice of making favorable mentions of other members' articles.
              – Wesley R. Elsberry
              Nov 29 at 17:58













            up vote
            3
            down vote










            up vote
            3
            down vote









            In the publishing world, it's called "logrolling".



            According to wikipedia




            Logrolling is the trading of favors, or quid pro quo, such as vote trading by legislative members to obtain passage of actions of interest to each legislative member.







            share|improve this answer














            In the publishing world, it's called "logrolling".



            According to wikipedia




            Logrolling is the trading of favors, or quid pro quo, such as vote trading by legislative members to obtain passage of actions of interest to each legislative member.








            share|improve this answer














            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer








            edited Nov 29 at 20:14









            StrongBad

            82.3k23207406




            82.3k23207406










            answered Nov 28 at 15:11









            RobC

            1392




            1392








            • 7




              This is completely unsourced and different to every other answer. Could you add a reference to where it's discussed under this name?
              – pipe
              Nov 29 at 12:53












            • I believe that is the term used extensively in "Wit's End", about the members of the Algonquin Round Table in the 1920s. The term is also used in the Wikipedia article on that topic, to describe the practice of making favorable mentions of other members' articles.
              – Wesley R. Elsberry
              Nov 29 at 17:58














            • 7




              This is completely unsourced and different to every other answer. Could you add a reference to where it's discussed under this name?
              – pipe
              Nov 29 at 12:53












            • I believe that is the term used extensively in "Wit's End", about the members of the Algonquin Round Table in the 1920s. The term is also used in the Wikipedia article on that topic, to describe the practice of making favorable mentions of other members' articles.
              – Wesley R. Elsberry
              Nov 29 at 17:58








            7




            7




            This is completely unsourced and different to every other answer. Could you add a reference to where it's discussed under this name?
            – pipe
            Nov 29 at 12:53






            This is completely unsourced and different to every other answer. Could you add a reference to where it's discussed under this name?
            – pipe
            Nov 29 at 12:53














            I believe that is the term used extensively in "Wit's End", about the members of the Algonquin Round Table in the 1920s. The term is also used in the Wikipedia article on that topic, to describe the practice of making favorable mentions of other members' articles.
            – Wesley R. Elsberry
            Nov 29 at 17:58




            I believe that is the term used extensively in "Wit's End", about the members of the Algonquin Round Table in the 1920s. The term is also used in the Wikipedia article on that topic, to describe the practice of making favorable mentions of other members' articles.
            – Wesley R. Elsberry
            Nov 29 at 17:58





            protected by Alexandros Nov 29 at 21:48



            Thank you for your interest in this question.
            Because it has attracted low-quality or spam answers that had to be removed, posting an answer now requires 10 reputation on this site (the association bonus does not count).



            Would you like to answer one of these unanswered questions instead?



            Popular posts from this blog

            Сан-Квентин

            8-я гвардейская общевойсковая армия

            Алькесар