Journal Padding
Definition: *Journal padding* refers to the editorial practice of increasing the number of published articles in a scientific journal by including redundant, low-impact, or fragmentary content that lacks genuine academic value.
Characteristics
- Serial publication of content that could be condensed into a single article.
- Preference for commemorative, anecdotal, or descriptive pieces over original research.
- Recycling of well-known material without critical reanalysis.
- Tolerance of poor methodological or editorial standards.
- Favoritism towards institutional contributors or editorial board members.
Red Flags
| Symptom | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Multi-part series with superficial depth | Inflates volume without adding substance |
| Lack of new data or original argument | Wastes journal space and reader attention |
| Editorial self-promotion | Compromises objectivity and credibility |
| Low citation potential | Undermines the journal's academic reputation |
Consequences
- Erosion of scientific integrity.
- Dilution of academic standards.
- Reader fatigue and reduced trust in the journal.
- Artificial inflation of editorial metrics (e.g., article count, visibility).
Related Terms
- Academic inflation
- Editorial bias
- Low-impact publishing
Application Example
- The five-part historical series on Academic Neurosurgery in
Neurocirugía (Engl Ed)could be interpreted as a case of journal padding, as it stretches limited historical insight over multiple articles with redundant structure and minimal methodological rigor.