Citation Advantage of Open Access Articles
2006
The Open Access Advantage
Editorial
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Gunther Eysenbach
Primary Institution: Centre for Global eHealth Innovation
Hypothesis
Open access articles have a citation advantage over non-open access articles.
Conclusion
Open access articles are more recognized and cited than non-open access articles.
Supporting Evidence
- Open access articles have a citation count advantage.
- Open access articles are more likely to be cited across different disciplines.
- Open access increases the chance for knowledge uptake by end-users.
Takeaway
When research is published for free online, more people read and cite it. This helps spread knowledge faster.
Methodology
The study analyzed citation behavior of open access and non-open access articles published in PNAS over a period of up to 21 months.
Potential Biases
Previous studies on open access impact may have ignored confounding factors.
Limitations
The study primarily focuses on citation metrics and does not explore qualitative advantages of open access.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = .009
Confidence Interval
1.2-12.2
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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