Taborsky, M (Taborsky, Michael) Biased Citation Practice and Taxonomic Parochialism ETHOLOGY, 115 (2): 105-111 FEB 2009

[Eugene Garfield]

E-mail Address: michael.taborsky at esh.unibe.ch 

Author(s): Taborsky, M (Taborsky, Michael) 

Title: Biased Citation Practice and Taxonomic Parochialism 

Source: ETHOLOGY, 115 (2): 105-111 FEB 2009 

Language: English 

Document Type: Editorial Material 

KeyWords Plus: SCIENTIFIC IMPACT; PUBLICATION BIAS; BODY-SIZE; SCIENCE; 
BEHAVIOR; MANAGEMENT; SUCCESS; BEETLE; DISCRIMINATION; CONSPECIFICS 

Abstract: Citation bias in scientific literature is as widespread as 
unwelcome. Among other drawbacks, it has a detrimental influence by the 
wide use of citation statistics for political decisions on resource 
distribution. Here I ask whether a taxonomic citation bias exists in 
behavioural studies. The analysis revealed that (1) the taxonomic citation 
bias is on average large, with nearly a quarter of articles in a 
haphazardly chosen sample referring to the studied taxon alone, and (2) 
behavioural studies on mammals and birds show a significantly larger bias 
than work on other taxa. In contrast, research themes and questions 
studied do not seem to influence the taxonomic citation bias. Authors of 
different regions of the world do not differ in their taxonomic citation 
bias, and the number of papers cited in an article does not relate to the 
degree of bias. I discuss potential reasons for the substantial citation 
bias revealed by this analysis and conclude that taxonomic parochialism is 
a likely cause. 

Addresses: Univ Bern, Inst Ecol & Evolut, CH-3032 Bern, Switzerland 

Reprint Address: Taborsky, M, Univ Bern, Inst Ecol & Evolut, Wohlenstr 
50A, CH-3032 Bern, Switzerland. 

E-mail Address: michael.taborsky at esh.unibe.ch 

Cited Reference Count: 83 

Times Cited: 0 

Publisher: BLACKWELL PUBLISHING 

Publisher Address: 9600 GARSINGTON RD, OXFORD OX4 2DQ, OXON, ENGLAND 

ISSN: 0179-1613 

DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0310.2009.01610.x 

29-char Source Abbrev.: ETHOLOGY 

ISO Source Abbrev.: Ethology 

Source Item Page Count: 7 

Subject Category: Psychology, Biological; Behavioral Sciences; Zoology 

ISI Document Delivery No.: 395FP 

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