Accuracy of referencing in the ophthalmic literature

Am J Ophthalmol. 2005 Dec;140(6):1146-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2005.07.018.

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the frequency of citation and quotation errors in the ophthalmic literature.

Design: Analysis of 200 references from 100 papers published in 10 ophthalmic journals.

Methods: A sample of 20 references was randomly selected from each of the 10 journals and each reference was checked for accuracy. Quotations were categorized as totally, partially, or not accurate.

Results: There were 35 citation errors in 32 references, only four of which were errors in PubMed. Thirty quotations of references were not accurate; 20 were partially accurate.

Conclusions: Citation and quotation errors are relatively common within the ophthalmic literature. This may be improved through technical editing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Documentation / standards*
  • Humans
  • Ophthalmology / standards*
  • Ophthalmology / statistics & numerical data
  • Periodicals as Topic / standards*
  • Periodicals as Topic / statistics & numerical data
  • Publishing / standards*
  • Publishing / statistics & numerical data
  • Quality Control
  • Reproducibility of Results