The Deceptive Editorial Boards of Predatory Journals

Despite efforts to eliminate them, predatory journals continue to entice vulnerable researchers and scholars by masquerading as legitimate publications. One of the primary tactics used by these journals is to create editorial boards that closely resemble those of respectable, peer-reviewed journals. However, these fabricated or misleading editorial boards serve as a significant red flag for the unsuspecting academic community. This article explores why predatory journals use sham editorial boards and how to identify these deceptive structures.

Why Predatory Journals Mimic Regular Journals

Predatory journals aim to gain legitimacy by adopting the appearance and structure of reputable, peer-reviewed journals. This strategy leverages the high value that scholars place on publications from well-known journals. By appearing as legitimate, they can attract unsuspecting researchers who believe their work will be rigorously reviewed and recognized within the academic community.

Fabricating an Impressive Editorial Board

One of the key elements in the deceptive strategy of predatory journals is the creation of an editorial board that seems impressive and authoritative. Names on these boards can be made up, contain non-existent individuals, or include people who were never asked to join. This sham structure can mislead researchers into believing that their work will be evaluated by knowledgeable and experienced academic experts.

Examples of Deceptive Editorial Board Practices

For instance, a predatory journal may use the names of retired academics, deceased researchers, or individuals who were never affiliated with the journal. In some cases, names may be borrowed from legitimate journals, leading to confusion and misunderstanding among the academic community. Additionally, the editorial board members in predatory journals might not have actual expertise or experience relevant to the field, further compromising the credibility of the publication.

Why Regular Journals Have Actual Editorial Boards

Regular, legitimate journals maintain actual editorial boards made up of experienced, knowledgeable scholars who are dedicated to the rigorous peer review process. These editorial boards not only ensure the quality of the published content but also help to establish the journal's reputation and credibility within the academic community. The presence of an editorial board in a legitimate journal is a testament to the journal's commitment to maintaining high standards of research and scholarly integrity.

In contrast, predatory journals exploit the desire for academic recognition and the importance of publication in evaluating a scholar's work. They create the illusion of a robust editorial board to deceive researchers into thinking their work will receive the same level of scrutiny and respect as it would in a genuine, peer-reviewed journal.

Identifying Sham Editorial Boards

Identifying the sham editorial boards of predatory journals is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and preventing waste of valuable research time and effort. Here are some methods to help discern between legitimate and fake editorial boards:

Google Searches: Conduct thorough online searches for the names listed on the journal's editorial board. If many of the names do not yield any relevant results, or if they are found to be deceased or non-existent, this may indicate a sham editorial board. Peer Reviews and Evaluations: Look for reviews or evaluations of the journal by reputable academic bodies or recognized scholars. Genuine journals often have a positive reputation within the academic community, while predatory journals may receive negative feedback or lack credible evaluations. Publication History: Examine the journal's publication history. Legitimate journals typically have a consistent and robust publication record with a diverse range of quality articles. Predatory journals may have frequent changes in editors or frequent delays in publishing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the presence of fake or deceptive editorial boards is one of the critical strategies employed by predatory journals to gain academic legitimacy. By mimicking the appearance and structure of legitimate journals, they can lure researchers into submitting their work, ultimately compromising the integrity of the academic community. Recognizing these deceptive practices and taking steps to verify the legitimacy of journals is essential for maintaining the high standards of scholarly research and ensuring the integrity of academic publications.

For more information, researchers should regularly check the latest updates and resources on reputable websites dedicated to fighting against predatory journals. By staying informed and vigilant, the academic community can continue to combat these deceptive practices and maintain the highest standards in scholarly research.

Keywords: predatory journals, fake editorial boards, academic legitimacy