Brysbaert M, Smith S. Self-enhancement in scientific research: the self-citation bias. Psychologica Belgica 2011;5(2):129-137
Self-enhancement and self-citation biases are well-documented phenomena in the social psychology field. The article examines the number of self-citations in articles published by four journals and the reasons why authors cite themselves. References in articles are not always included because they are essential to understand the argument or because they are the best source of information. Sometimes they are included because authors want to promote and praise themselves and their findings. Then, self-citations have more to do with self-promotion than with the advancement of science. It is not clear whether editors should take action about self-citations.
Thanks to James Hartley
Self-enhancement and self-citation biases are well-documented phenomena in the social psychology field. The article examines the number of self-citations in articles published by four journals and the reasons why authors cite themselves. References in articles are not always included because they are essential to understand the argument or because they are the best source of information. Sometimes they are included because authors want to promote and praise themselves and their findings. Then, self-citations have more to do with self-promotion than with the advancement of science. It is not clear whether editors should take action about self-citations.
Thanks to James Hartley
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