An Empirical Analysis of Overlap Publication in Chinese Language and English Research Manuscripts
2011

Overlap Publication in Chinese and English Research

Sample size: 100 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Tucker Joseph D., Chang Helena, Brandt Allison, Gao Xing, Lin Margaret, Luo Jing, Song Philip, Sun Kai, Zhang Xiaoxi

Primary Institution: Massachusetts General Hospital

Hypothesis

What is the extent of overlap publication in English and Chinese language journals?

Conclusion

Overlap publication was common in this context, but instances of standard ICMJE notations to acknowledge this practice were rare.

Supporting Evidence

  • 19% of English manuscripts from Chinese institutions had substantial overlap with Chinese published work.
  • None of the manuscripts met all ICMJE criteria for acknowledged overlap publication.
  • Manuscripts associated with institutions outside of China were less likely to have substantial overlap.

Takeaway

This study looked at how often researchers publish the same work in both Chinese and English. They found that many do this without telling anyone, which is not okay.

Methodology

A random sample of 100 English manuscripts from Chinese institutions was analyzed for overlap with Chinese published work.

Potential Biases

The reliance on subjective analysis of overlap may introduce bias.

Limitations

The study only analyzed manuscripts from one Chinese database, which may underestimate the total extent of overlap publication.

Participant Demographics

The study focused on English manuscripts from Chinese institutions.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Confidence Interval

95% CI 11–27

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0022149

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