Improper design of a scientific article can often result in repeated rejection, especially due to citation issues. In this article, we will discuss the importance of proper citation structure to successfully pass a rigorous peer-review for Scopus and Web of Science international databases.
Citation arrangement not only affects the publication process, but also impacts the authority of researchers. Plagiarism conflicts in scientific articles periodically arise within the research community, prompting active attention to this issue and increasing the requirements for proper citation layout. The issue of plagiarism remains relevant and requires serious intervention and protection of the intellectual property of researchers by the state. Failure to address these issues can lead to negative consequences such as a decline in economic indicators and the loss of valuable scientists from the country.
Plagiarism is universally condemned by the research community and should be strictly avoided. In this article, we will also define what constitutes citation, including snippets of someone else's text, formula, drawing, or table, paraphrase citation in the form of semantic mention, and the analysis of other articles in one's own text.
Guidelines for Proper Citation Formatting
The way in which citation sources are presented is crucial in the academic world, and improper citation formatting can lead to rejection of scientific articles. It is important to follow certain principles when:
- Formatting citation sources, such as using quotation marks and including the complete text of the reference.
- Additionally, it is important to provide the initials of the scientist before their last name and not to start a paragraph with a quote or author's surname.
- Adhering to a consistent citation style is also crucial for proper formatting.
- When paraphrasing a quote, it is important to accurately convey the essence of the original text. This technique is useful when summarizing information from multiple sources or when the original source is difficult to understand or translate.
There are also important citation methods to keep in mind:
- Secondary citations, which are used when the original source is lost or difficult to obtain, should be carefully checked for accuracy.
- When mentioning foreign sources or scientists, it is important to write the text in the language of the scientific paper, and to correctly translate the personal data of the author.
- Self-citation can also be used in articles, but should be limited to no more than 12% of the paper and should be relevant to the subject matter.
- Finally, when citing legislation, only public domain sources should be used.
Following these guidelines can help ensure the proper formatting and accuracy of citation sources in scientific articles.
Most Common Citation Mistakes
Citation errors can be detrimental to the credibility and authority of a scientific paper:
- One of the most common mistakes is the omission of references, which can be easily avoided by double-checking the information on authors and their work. It's also important to include proper citations for graphs, diagrams, and other copyrighted materials to avoid any potential legal issues.
- Another common error is the incorrect citation of foreign authors, which can occur due to translation issues or misinterpretation of the original source. It's crucial to ensure that the citation is accurate and follows the original language of the source.
To avoid citation errors, it's recommended to rely on trusted sources and include only unique and relevant quotes that accurately characterize and enrich the article. Proper citation formatting is crucial for successful review and publication in prestigious databases such as Scopus and Web of Science, and authors should take great care and responsibility in preparing their work.
For added peace of mind, scientific publication companies offer article audit services that can help identify any errors or issues in the manuscript before submission, ultimately saving time and preventing potential delays in the publication process.
As a reminder, we have recently posted an article “How to add a journal to Scopus? Main tips”