Prevalence and Characteristics of Citation Errors: The Case for Research in the Schools

• In Event: Strategies for Teaching Educational Research

Abstract

The purpose of this mixed research study was to identify the citation error rate and its correlates in 150 manuscripts submitted to Research in the Schools over a 7-year period. Findings revealed that citation errors were committed by 91.8% of the authors. Thus, citation errors represent the most pervasive American Psychological Association (APA) error. Articles with more citation errors were statistically and practically (d = 0.45) significantly less likely to be accepted for publication. Disturbingly, citation errors represent the most serious of APA errors because they cannot be rectified directly by copyeditors. Thus, we provide evidence-based guidelines for people (e.g., instructors, mentors, advisors, editors, publishers) who play a role at various stages influencing the quality of articles that authors write.

Authors

• Anthony J. Onwuegbuzie, Sam Houston State University

• Rebecca K. Frels, Lamar University

• John R. Slate, Sam Houston State University