papers retracted due to peer review fraud

[Robert]

It’s possible to fake peer review because authors are often asked to suggest potential reviewers for their own papers. This is done because research subjects are often blindingly niche; a researcher working in a sub-sub-field may be more aware than the journal editor of who is best-placed to assess the work.

But some journals go further and request, or allow, authors to submit the contact details of these potential reviewers. If the editor isn’t aware of the potential for a scam, they then merrily send the requests for review out to fake e-mail addresses, often using the names of actual researchers. And at the other end of the fake e-mail address is someone who’s in on the game and happy to send in a friendly review.

Highlights why a single set of results from any given study should usually be treated with caution.

 

[redrumloa]

Highlights why a single set of results from any given study should usually be treated with caution.

Cough, cough, global warming, cough cough.

 

[Robert]

Cough, cough, global warming, cough cough.

Exactly. ;-)

 

[metalman]

“Mindless Eating,” or how to send an entire life of research into question

Now questioning: 3,700 citations in 25 different journals—and eight books—over 20+ years.