Brief Summary
Alright, so this video is basically about how to get your research paper published in a good journal. Sanjeev Kumar Pandey sir talks about why papers get rejected, how to choose the right journal, and how to avoid plagiarism and AI detection. He also touches upon the importance of ethical practices and understanding the review process.
- Reasons for rejection
- Selecting a good journal
- Avoiding plagiarism and AI detection
Introduction
Sanjeev Kumar Pandey sir will be discussing research paper writing, focusing on reasons for rejection and strategies to strengthen your paper. He'll also cover key parameters for selecting a good journal, comparing journals, and factors to consider for quality publications.
Submitting via Email and Submission Windows
These days, Scopus-indexed journals don't allow submissions via email. If a journal asks for submissions via email, it's likely a predatory, clone, or fake journal. Legitimate journals have submission windows like Manuscript Center, ScholarOne, or Editorial Manager. Elsevier and Springer use Editorial Manager, while Taylor & Francis and Wiley have their own windows. Sage and Emerald use ScholarOne. You won't find email IDs of editors on journal websites.
Scopus Website and Submission Process
On a Scopus-indexed journal's website, you won't find an email ID for submissions. You need to click "Submit to this journal." Before submitting, understand the journal's aims, scope, and editorial board. Click "Submit your paper" to access the submission window, like ScholarOne. You'll need to fill out detailed information to submit.
ORCID ID
You need an ORCID ID (Open Researcher and Contributor ID) to submit to any journal. This 13-digit unique ID helps you avoid repeated logins. It fetches your information automatically, simplifying the submission process. Create it for free on Google by searching "ORCID ID." It also helps track your submission's progress, like review status or publication.
ResearchGate Account
Creating a ResearchGate account is also important. It automatically reflects your published papers. You'll receive updates on papers in your field and can request soft copies from authors, avoiding journal access fees.
Review Stages
After submission, a paper goes through three stages: desk stage (preliminary screening), peer review stage, and post-review stage.
Desk Stage/Preliminary Screening
In the initial screening, the handling editor checks the paper's suitability. They check if the title aligns with the journal's aims and scope. Scopus-indexed journals can't publish papers outside their scope, or they risk being delisted. Fake journals often ask for any type of research paper. Always check the "Aims and Scope" section before submitting.
Aims and Scope
The "Aims and Scope" section defines the types of papers a journal publishes. If your title doesn't align, the paper will be rejected without further reading. You can also check past papers to see what kind of research they publish.
Scope of the Journal
Some journals publish only quantitative or qualitative research, while others publish both. Check the "Aims and Scope" to understand the journal's preference. Some journals are very specific, like those publishing only literature reviews or case studies.
Abstract Writing
After the title, the abstract is checked. It should be divided into five sections: motivation, aim, methodology, findings, and implications. Abstracts can be paragraph-style (unstructured) or structured. Unstructured abstracts should be under 150-200 words. Divide the words: 30 words for each section. The language should be entirely different from the paper, though the context remains the same.
Plagiarism Check
The journal checks for plagiarism using Turnitin software. Plagiarism should be under 10%, though 15% might be acceptable depending on what's plagiarized. Journals won't tell you if your paper is rejected due to plagiarism.
Reading Plagiarism Report
Plagiarism reports are read in two ways: aggregate and single source. Aggregate plagiarism should be under 10%, but single source plagiarism should be less than 1%.
Turnitin Software
Turnitin is the recommended software for plagiarism checks. Develop a network to access it if your institution doesn't have it. Help each other within your research groups.
AI Content Report
Journals now use AI content reports. Even if you haven't changed a word, the AI content can be high. AI detects copied lines and marks the entire paragraph. Don't use AI for paper writing. Even paraphrasing won't remove AI content. AI and human intelligence can have similarities. AI content should be less than 19%.
Using AI Tools
Avoid uploading your paper to AI for corrections or title drafting. Even grammar tools like Grammarly can link to AI if you ask them to rewrite and strengthen your text. Instead, use AI to find theories or answer reviewer questions, then rewrite the content in your own words with proper evidence.
Turnitin Report Details
Excluding quotes and bibliography from Turnitin reports is common. Matches should be less than 13% in your thesis. Aggregate plagiarism and single source plagiarism are important.
Plagiarism as Violation of Copyright Laws
Plagiarism is a violation of copyright laws. Even copying five words, like a mathematical equation, can be plagiarism, even if the report shows less than 1%.
Definitions in Research Paper
Avoid definitions in research papers. Don't explain basic concepts. Reviewers are knowledgeable and won't appreciate basic explanations. Communication is about sharing what people don't know.
Novelty in Research
Research must have novelty. Reviewers often reject papers if similar research already exists. Don't just change the location of a study; add a unique angle.
Scope of Journals
If writing in English, you can target Scopus journals. The speaker will explain how to find any journal in the world.
Paraphrasing Tools
Don't use paraphrasing tools; you'll get caught. Take ideas but write in your own words.
Edited Books
Edited books with ISBNs aren't necessarily high quality. It depends on the publisher. Good publishers take AI and plagiarism reports. Target good publishers like Springer, Taylor & Francis, Elsevier, and Sage.
References
References are also checked. Crossref software validates them. References must be correct. AI-generated references are often wrong. If over 20% of your references are invalid, your paper will be rejected.
Source of References
Journals check the source of your references. They prefer references from Web of Science or Scopus. Using poor literature can weaken your theoretical framework. Information must be authentic.
DOI Numbers
Always use DOI (Digital Object Identifier) numbers in references. It directs readers to the paper's website. Add DOI at the end of your reference.
Rejection Reasons
Rejection is about finding reasons to reject. The absence of rejection is selection. Reviewers aim to reject papers.
Reviewer's Perspective
Reviewers look for reasons to reject. If they can't find enough reasons, they suggest revisions. Positive reports are useless to editors.
Editor's Decisions
Editors follow a conservative policy. If there's a reason to reject, they reject. Positive reports don't matter.
Reviewer Decisions
Reviewers suggest publishing, not publishing, or publishing with revisions. Editors decide based on these reports. Revisions don't guarantee acceptance.
Initial Screening Rejection Rate
The initial screening rejection rate is 80-90%. Only 10-20% of papers go to the review process.
Double-Blind Review Process
Most journals use a double-blind review process to eliminate bias. Reviewers don't know the author's identity.
Reviewer Selection
Reviewers are appointed in odd numbers. Editors follow their decisions.
Retraction of Research Paper
Even after publication, a paper can be retracted due to ethical issues. Retracted papers can't be used for any purpose, including citations.
Consequences of Retraction
Consequences include demotion, suspension, or fines. Retractions occur due to unethical practices like plagiarism or data manipulation.
Data Manipulation
Data manipulation includes fabricating or extrapolating data.
Retraction Watch Website
The Retraction Watch website lists retracted papers.
Reasons for Retraction
Retractions happen because papers are often written for academic purposes, leading to short-term thinking. Research should contribute to society.
Consequences of Biased Research
Biased research leads to wrong implications and policies.
Authorship Issues
Papers can be retracted due to authorship issues, like lack of contribution.
Gift Authorship
Gift authorship, where someone is added to a paper without contributing, is unethical.
Student Authorship
The student should always be the first author on their thesis paper.
NAAC and Retraction
NAAC links retraction to university scores, leading to potential punishments.
Authenticity in Research
Be authentic and honest in your research. Accept and publish the results, even if they're unexpected. Research is about the results, not right or wrong.
Patience in Publication
The review process takes time. Be patient and avoid shortcuts.
National vs. International Journals
There's no real difference between national and international journals now, as most have a web presence and international submissions.
Peer-Reviewed vs. Refereed Journals
Peer-reviewed and refereed journals are technically the same. Peer review is the first stage, and being refereed is the second. If a journal has an editorial board, it's considered peer-reviewed.
Quality Parameters
Quality parameters include quantitative and qualitative aspects.
Abstracting and Indexing
Indexing means inclusion in a database. Scopus is a multidisciplinary database by Elsevier. Journals must follow 40 quality parameters to be in Scopus.
Scopus Indexed Journals
Scopus indexed journals follow quality parameters.
Web of Science
Web of Science (WoS) is another database, more scientific than Scopus. It's classified into seven parts.
Web of Science Indexing
For art and humanities, the indexing is AHCI. Books are indexed as BKCI, and conference proceedings as CPCI.
Web of Science Core Collection
The Web of Science core collection has seven indexes. The first four belong to science and social science journals.
Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI)
ESCI is for emerging journals with good potential.
Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE)
SCIE is for journals with a good impact factor but not in the top category.
Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI) and Science Citation Index (SCI)
SSCI (for social sciences) and SCI (for science) are the top indexes in Web of Science.
Comparison of Indexes
ESCI is like Australia, SCI is like Canada, and SSCI is like America.
Web of Science vs. Scopus
Journals in Web of Science are often in Scopus, but not vice versa. Web of Science is better than Scopus.
Finding Appropriate Journals
There's no "best" journal; it depends on your work. Consider the journal's audience and scope.
Audience Consideration
Consider the audience when choosing a journal.
Present Status
Only the present status of a journal matters.
Transparency
Journals using Editorial Manager are transparent.
Time to First Decision
Journals mention the time to the first decision and acceptance rate.
Ranking Systems
Ranking systems like ABDC and ABS list journals in categories.
Quantitative Parameters
Quantitative parameters include impact factor, H-index, and quartile ranking.
Impact Factor
Impact factor measures how many times a journal's paper is cited.
Clarivate Analytics
There's only one legitimate impact factor: Clarivate Analytics. All others are fake.
Calculating Impact Factor
It's calculated on a two-year window.
Thomson Reuters
Thomson Reuters is now Clarivate Analytics.
Citescore
Citescore is Scopus's impact factor.
H-Index
H-index measures the number of papers cited at least that many times.
Quartile Ranking
Scopus divides journals into Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4. Target Q1 journals.
SCImago Journal Rank (SJR)
Use SCImago Journal Rank (SJR) to find journals.
Finding Journals
Search for journals by keyword on SCImago.
Checking Journal Status
Check if a journal is in Scopus on SCImago.
Identifying Clone Journals
Use SCImago to visit the journal's homepage and compare it to potential clone journals.
Journal Ranking
Find top journals by subject on SCImago.
Paid vs. Free Journals
Not all best journals are paid. They offer open access or subscription options.
Open Access vs. Subscription
Open access requires paying a fee, while subscription access is free for authors but requires readers to pay.
Journal Finder
Use journal finders to find potential journals for your paper.
AI Assistance
Use AI to explore research directions and variables.
Copyright Transfer
Transferring copyright means you're no longer the owner of the paper.
API and Journal Selection
API depends on the university's criteria.
Indian Journal Database
There's no specific database for Indian journals.
Empirical Studies
Scopus and Web of Science journals publish all types of research papers.
