Answered By: Francine May Last Updated: Mar 21, 2025 Views: 14
What is a journal article retraction?
Journal article retractions and why they matter
A retracted article is a published research paper that has been officially withdrawn from the scientific record. This happens when major issues are found, such as errors, unreliable data, plagiarism, or research misconduct.
Why does this matter?
- Accuracy & integrity: Research builds on past work. If a study is flawed, it can lead to incorrect conclusions.
- Citing reliable sources: Citing a retracted paper weakens your work. Always check for retractions before using a source.
- Critical evaluation: Retractions remind us to carefully evaluate research and understand how science corrects itself.
For undergraduates: Always check if an article has been retracted—using unreliable research in your papers can lead to misleading arguments and lower your credibility.
For researchers publishing: Citing a retracted article can weaken your research, and missing a retraction in your field may mean building on flawed or fraudulent findings.
Identifying retracted articles
Some databases and publishers clearly label retracted articles, others may not. The tools below can help you identify and avoid citing retracted research.
Retraction watch database - user guide Whether you're doing research, checking retractions, or ensuring your citations are clean, the full guide and database access are essential tools:
- Full Dataset Available via Crossref -For comprehensive or large-scale research, the entire Retraction Watch Database can be downloaded freely via Crossref — more efficient than limited web searches.
- More Than Just Retractions - The database includes corrections, expressions of concern, and reinstatements, offering a broader view of publication integrity.
- Custom Search Tips -Offers guidance on advanced search strategies, including Boolean logic, wildcard characters, and dealing with hidden formatting or variations in author names and affiliations.
Zotero
This free and open source citation management tool integrates data from the Retraction Watch Database to alert you if any articles in your Zotero library have been retracted. Find out more about how it works.
LibrarySearch
Retracted article may be identified in librarysearch but its is not complete. Retractions may be indicated in the record, but they may not be consistently updated or clearly labeled. To double check retractions, cross-check with databases like Retraction Watch or journal publisher sites.
example of a retracted article in library search
Example retracted article
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More information
Retraction Guidelines - Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)
Retraction Watch
The most comprehensive resource for tracking retracted articles. Many other tools rely on this database for their retraction alerts.
What we can learn from retractions
Retractions aren’t just about mistakes—they reveal how knowledge is created, tested, and revised. Understanding them helps us think critically about information and expertise.
- Why research goes wrong: Errors, fraud, or bias can lead to retractions, showing why evaluating sources is crucial.
- How research self-corrects: Retractions remind us that knowledge is not fixed but evolves through review and revision.
- Peer review & expertise: What do retractions reveal about the role of experts in assessing credibility?
- The lasting impact of bad research: Retracted studies are still cited—how does misinformation persist in scholarly communication?
- Public trust in research: Major retractions (e.g., the vaccine-autism study) have shaped public perceptions of research and science. How do we navigate authority and expertise?
- The pressures of publishing: The push to “publish or perish” affects research practices. How can responsible scholarship be supported?
Looking at retractions deepens our understanding of how information is created, shared, and challenged—helping us become more informed researchers and readers.
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