Healthy Skepticism Library item: 6486

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Publication type: Journal Article

Rennie D, Flanagin A.
Authorship! Authorship! Guests, ghosts, grafters, and the two-sided coin.
JAMA 1994 Feb 9; 271:(6):469-71

Abstract:

After introductory comments on the value of publication to scientific researchers, parent research institutions and academics it is pointed out that editors also have a stake in the integrity of the published manuscript. Mention is made of well-publicised cases where authors were grafters who use their position in the byline to receive credit dishonestly. Since 1985 The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (the Vancouver group) have adopted methods to attempt to eliminate honorary, frivolous and irresponsible authorship. At JAMA we have required authors to attest that they have contributed substantially to, and are responsible for, what is in the manuscript. A study in this issue reports that an appreciable number of cited coauthors (guests) make few or no substantial contributions to published work. There are ghosts as well as guests lurking in the bylines these medical writers and authors’ editors should be identified and given credit. Arguments for and against limiting names published in group authorship are given at length, concluding that attached to every article there should be actual beings. Who can object to deposing the guests, substantiating the ghosts and excommunicating the grafters?

Keywords:
*editorial/United States/ Authorship* Periodicals/standards*