The Impact of Open Science Practices on Citation Counts: An Analysis of Preprints, Data Sharing, and Code Sharing

Belangrijkste concepten

Adopting open science practices such as preprint posting and data sharing in repositories is associated with significantly higher citation counts for research publications, while code sharing does not show a significant citation advantage.

Samenvatting

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the citation impact of open science practices, including preprint posting, data sharing, and code sharing. The key findings are:

Preprint posting is associated with a significant positive citation advantage of about 20.2% on average.
Sharing data in an online repository is associated with a smaller yet still positive citation advantage of 4.3% on average.
The citation impact of these open science practices varies across scientific disciplines.
No significant citation advantage was found for sharing code.
The analysis is based on a dataset of over 122,000 research articles, primarily from the PLOS publisher. While the dataset is heavily weighted toward PLOS publications, the findings suggest that adopting open science practices can enhance the visibility and academic impact of research. However, the observational nature of the study precludes definitive conclusions about causality, and the effects may be influenced by other factors not accounted for in the analysis. Further research is needed to explore the relationship between open science practices and a broader range of impact measures beyond citations.

Statistieken

Preprint posting is associated with a 20.2% (±.7) increase in citation counts on average.
Sharing data in an online repository is associated with a 4.3% (±.8) increase in citation counts on average.
The citation impact of open science practices varies significantly across scientific disciplines.

Citaten

"Adopting open science practices such as preprint posting and data sharing in repositories is associated with significantly higher citation counts for research publications."
"No significant citation advantage was found for sharing code."

Belangrijkste Inzichten Gedestilleerd Uit

An analysis of the effects of sharing research data, code, and preprints on citations

by Giov... om arxiv.org 04-26-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2404.16171.pdf

Diepere vragen

What other measures of research impact, beyond citations, could be used to assess the benefits of open science practices?

In addition to citations, other measures of research impact that could be used to assess the benefits of open science practices include:

Altmetrics: Altmetrics provide a broader view of the impact of research by considering factors such as social media mentions, downloads, views, and shares. These metrics can capture the attention and engagement of a wider audience beyond the academic community.

Usage Metrics: Usage metrics track how often research outputs, such as datasets, code, or preprints, are accessed, downloaded, or reused. This can indicate the practical utility and relevance of the research to other researchers and stakeholders.

Collaboration Networks: Analyzing the extent and diversity of collaborations that result from open science practices can be a valuable measure of impact. Increased collaboration can lead to enhanced knowledge exchange, innovation, and the development of new research directions.

Policy Influence: Assessing the impact of research on policy-making and decision-making processes can be a crucial indicator of the societal relevance and applicability of the research. Open science practices that facilitate transparency and accessibility can contribute to policy changes and improvements.

Public Engagement: Evaluating the level of public engagement with research findings can demonstrate the broader societal impact of open science practices. Public engagement can lead to increased awareness, understanding, and support for scientific research.

What factors, beyond the open science practices examined here, might influence the visibility and impact of research findings?

Several factors beyond the open science practices examined in the study can influence the visibility and impact of research findings:

Quality of Research: The quality, novelty, and significance of the research itself play a crucial role in determining its impact. High-quality research that addresses important questions and produces robust findings is more likely to attract attention and citations.

Research Communication: The effectiveness of communicating research findings to different audiences, including researchers, policymakers, and the general public, can impact visibility and impact. Clear, accessible, and engaging communication can enhance the reach and influence of research.

Research Funding: The availability of funding and resources to support research activities, dissemination, and outreach can influence the visibility and impact of research. Adequate funding can enable researchers to conduct high-impact studies and promote their findings effectively.

Collaborations and Networks: Collaborations with other researchers, institutions, and organizations can amplify the visibility and impact of research findings. Building strong networks and partnerships can facilitate knowledge exchange, dissemination, and uptake of research outcomes.

Media Coverage: Media coverage and press releases about research findings can significantly increase visibility and public awareness. Positive media attention can lead to increased citations, engagement, and recognition of research contributions.

Research Ethics and Integrity: Upholding ethical standards, transparency, and integrity in research practices can enhance the credibility and trustworthiness of research findings. Ethical conduct and adherence to best practices can contribute to the long-term impact and sustainability of research outcomes.