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A comprehensive bibliometric analysis of retracted chapters based on OpenAlex database

Author

Listed:
  • Liu Yiru

    (Southwestern University of Finance and Economics Library)

  • Liu Yi

    (Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College)

  • Yuan Zihan

    (Renmin University of China
    Capital Normal University Library)

Abstract

Retracted chapters have become a novel challenge in the field of scientific research integrity and publication ethics, analyzing the literature characteristics of retracted chapters and the reasons for retracted is conducive to deepening the research on retracted chapters, and providing guarantee for the construction of publication ethics and scientific research integrity. Utilizing the OpenAlex database, this study employs bibliometric methods to examine the multi-dimensional features of retracted chapters, including their temporal distribution, book affiliations, conference affiliations, institutional distribution, disciplinary distribution, and reasons of retraction. The findings reveal a considerable span between the publication and retraction dates, with a peak in retraction numbers in 2016. A significant concentration of retractions is observed in specific books and conferences, with authors predominantly from Germany, India, and the United States. The number of retractions does not directly correlate with the number of institutions involved. The primary reasons for retraction are legal restrictions, plagiarism, and copyright disputes. It is recommended that oversight and review processes for academic books and conference proceedings be strengthened, review mechanisms for research data rights and paper copyright be enhanced, attention be given to honest errors and self-initiated retractions, and a comprehensive analysis of retractions across various document types be conducted.

Suggested Citation

  • Liu Yiru & Liu Yi & Yuan Zihan, 2025. "A comprehensive bibliometric analysis of retracted chapters based on OpenAlex database," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 130(4), pages 2425-2444, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:scient:v:130:y:2025:i:4:d:10.1007_s11192-025-05289-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s11192-025-05289-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    11. repec:plo:pone00:0044118 is not listed on IDEAS
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