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An Investigation of Editorial Favoritism in the AER

Author

Listed:
  • Philip R P Coelho

    (Department of Economics, Whitinger Business Building, room 201 2000 W., University Ave., Muncie, IN 47306, USA. E-mails: 00prcoelho@bsu.edu; jmcclure@bsu.edu; damessh@gmail.com)

  • James E McClure

    (Department of Economics, Whitinger Business Building, room 201 2000 W., University Ave., Muncie, IN 47306, USA. E-mails: 00prcoelho@bsu.edu; jmcclure@bsu.edu; damessh@gmail.com)

  • Peter J Reilly

    (Department of Economics, Whitinger Business Building, room 201 2000 W., University Ave., Muncie, IN 47306, USA. E-mails: 00prcoelho@bsu.edu; jmcclure@bsu.edu; damessh@gmail.com)

Abstract

This paper contributes to a substantial literature assessing the credibility of academic research. We examine the hypothesis that selection procedures of journals favor submissions that cite journal insiders. Our tests use data from the American Economic Review (AER) and the number of citations to AER publications that appear in non-AER journals. We find that citations to AER-insiders in articles in the AER were statistically insignificant; however, increased frequency of citations in non-AER journals were positively (albeit statistically insignificant) related to references to AER insiders. The sign is precisely opposite of what one would expect if submissions were judged on criteria other than intellectual merit. The evidence is robust across specifications. Given our metric, sample, and procedures, we do not find any significant support for the hypothesis of editorial favoritism.

Suggested Citation

  • Philip R P Coelho & James E McClure & Peter J Reilly, 2014. "An Investigation of Editorial Favoritism in the AER," Eastern Economic Journal, Palgrave Macmillan;Eastern Economic Association, vol. 40(2), pages 274-281, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:easeco:v:40:y:2014:i:2:p:274-281
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. John P A Ioannidis, 2005. "Why Most Published Research Findings Are False," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 2(8), pages 1-1, August.
    2. Oswald, Andrew J., 2008. "Can We Test for Bias in Scientific Peer-Review?," IZA Discussion Papers 3665, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
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    6. Philip R. P. Coelho & James E. McClure, 2006. "Why Has Critical Commentary Been Curtailed at Top Economics Journals? A Reply to Robert Whaples," Econ Journal Watch, Econ Journal Watch, vol. 3(2), pages 283-291, May.
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    2. Lawson, Nicholas, 2023. "What citation tests really tell us about bias in academic publishing," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 158(C).

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • A10 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - General
    • A14 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Sociology of Economics
    • B40 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Economic Methodology - - - General

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