TY - JOUR
T1 - Citation bias in the literature on dietary trans fatty acids and serum cholesterol
AU - Urlings, Miriam J.E.
AU - Duyx, Bram
AU - Swaen, Gerard M.H.
AU - Bouter, Lex M.
AU - Zeegers, Maurice P.A.
PY - 2019/2/1
Y1 - 2019/2/1
N2 - Objective: Balanced citations are a necessary condition for a sound development of scientific knowledge, whereas selective citations may bias scientific consensus. In this study, we assess which determinants influenced the likelihood of being cited in the literature on trans fatty acids and cholesterol. Study Design and Setting: We conducted a citation network analysis of the literature concerning trans fats and low density cholesterol and high density cholesterol. Each publication was scored on various potential determinants of citation, such as study outcome, study design, sample size, journal impact factor, and funding source. We applied random effect logistic regression to identify determinants of citation. Results: A network of 108 publications was identified, containing 5,041 potential citation paths and 669 utilized citation paths. Reporting statistically significant results was found to be a strong predictor of citation, together with sample size, journal impact factor, and the authority of the authors. Conclusion: Within the literature on trans fat intake and cholesterol, selective citations are based on several grounds. Especially the effect of reporting significant results on citation requires special attention because disproportionate attention is paid to publications suggesting a harmful effect of trans fat on cholesterol.
AB - Objective: Balanced citations are a necessary condition for a sound development of scientific knowledge, whereas selective citations may bias scientific consensus. In this study, we assess which determinants influenced the likelihood of being cited in the literature on trans fatty acids and cholesterol. Study Design and Setting: We conducted a citation network analysis of the literature concerning trans fats and low density cholesterol and high density cholesterol. Each publication was scored on various potential determinants of citation, such as study outcome, study design, sample size, journal impact factor, and funding source. We applied random effect logistic regression to identify determinants of citation. Results: A network of 108 publications was identified, containing 5,041 potential citation paths and 669 utilized citation paths. Reporting statistically significant results was found to be a strong predictor of citation, together with sample size, journal impact factor, and the authority of the authors. Conclusion: Within the literature on trans fat intake and cholesterol, selective citations are based on several grounds. Especially the effect of reporting significant results on citation requires special attention because disproportionate attention is paid to publications suggesting a harmful effect of trans fat on cholesterol.
KW - Cholesterol
KW - Citation bias
KW - Citation network analysis
KW - Epidemiology
KW - Meta-research
KW - Trans fatty acids
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U2 - 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2018.10.008
DO - 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2018.10.008
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85056462086
SN - 0895-4356
VL - 106
SP - 88
EP - 97
JO - Journal of Clinical Epidemiology
JF - Journal of Clinical Epidemiology
ER -