Wednesday

200701

Publishing Too Much and Nothing: Serious Problems Not Just Nuisances

Because academics “gain credit from publishing” and quantity is more important than quality, many publish closely related papers that add redundancy to medical research. This problem is compounded by pharmaceutical companies commissioning repeat publication of favorable studies. Though many think such practices are harmless, Richard Smith argues they lead to bias in the evidence doctors use to inform their treatment decisions. Treatments “may seem more effective than they are," which leads Smith to conclude redundant publication "pollutes medical evidence."

Read MorePublishing Too Much and Nothing: Serious Problems Not Just Nuisances