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Empower - Module 6 - Searching the Internet

Predatory Journals

Beware of Predatory Journals
 

 

Academic Search Engines (i.e. Google Scholar):

 
Pros:
  • Weed out commercial websites
  • Cast a wide net for scholarly resources
Cons:
  • Results are not evaluated for reliability
  • Some results require payment for access
  • Do NOT weed out Predatory Journals

Predatory Journals:Image illustrating the prevalence of predatory journals: A large dark blue circle labeled as "All journal publishers" surrounds a smaller medium blue circle labeled "Open-Access Journals". This medium sized circle in turn surrounds a final small light blue circle labelled "Predatory Journals."

  • Charge publishing fees to authors
  • Have no editorial board or review process
  • Mimic reputable journals’:
    • Titles
    • Layouts and Designs
    • Websites
  • May claim association with known experts without permission
  • Contain information that may be:
    • Biased
    • Inaccurate
    • Completely Fabricated

 

Always inspect resources from Academic Search Engines to ensure reliability!

 

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