Knowledge Domain and Global Tendency in Publication Ethics Research: Bibliometric Review and Mapping Analysis

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of the present study was to gain a deeper understanding of research status and future prospects in the field of publication ethics.MethodsA bibliometric analysis was performed to identify published researches about publication ethics. Searching from the Web of Science database and publication ethics guidelines website. The VOSviewer 1.6.18, CiteSpace 6.1.R3, R-bibliometric, HistCite 12.03.17 and Excel 2021 softwares were used to visually analyze information.ResultsIn total, 659 articles of publication ethics were identified, and the first indicated literature appeared in 1972. A total of 762 institutions from 67 countries participated in this field research, and the United States of America contributed the largest publication output. The most productive institution was Sideview, and Wager Elizabeth who had posted the most articles. TheSci Eng Ethics(29 articles) was the most prolific and highest citation journal. Related topics of the research on publication ethics of biomedical journals is a hot and high maturity research topic. Misconduct in scientific publishing is a hot theme and development trend in the future.ConclusionThis study summarized the publication information of publication ethics from 1972–2022, including countries, institutions, authors, journals and references. The research hot topics were pointed out, and the collaboration between countries, authors and institutions need to be further strengthened in the future. In order to improve the quality and efficiency of research output, the integration of scientific research and resources, as well as scientific collaboration are needed.