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The Sci-Hub effect on papers’ citations

Author

Listed:
  • Juan C. Correa

    (Prague University of Economics and Business
    Fundación Universitaria Konrad Lorenz)

  • Henry Laverde-Rojas

    (Universidad Santo Tomás)

  • Julian Tejada

    (Universidade Federal de Sergipe)

  • Fernando Marmolejo-Ramos

    (University of South Australia)

Abstract

Citations are often used as a metric of the impact of scientific publications. Here, we examine how the number of downloads from Sci-Hub as well as various characteristics of publications and their authors predicts future citations. Using data from 12 leading journals in economics, consumer research, neuroscience, and multidisciplinary research, we found that articles downloaded from Sci-Hub were cited 1.72 times more than papers not downloaded from Sci-Hub and that the number of downloads from Sci-Hub was a robust predictor of future citations. Among other characteristics of publications, the number of figures in a manuscript consistently predicts its future citations. The results suggest that limited access to publications may limit some scientific research from achieving its full impact.

Suggested Citation

  • Juan C. Correa & Henry Laverde-Rojas & Julian Tejada & Fernando Marmolejo-Ramos, 2022. "The Sci-Hub effect on papers’ citations," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 127(1), pages 99-126, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:scient:v:127:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1007_s11192-020-03806-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s11192-020-03806-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Abdelghani Maddi & David Sapinho, 2023. "On the culture of open access: the Sci-hub paradox," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 128(10), pages 5647-5658, October.
    2. Schmal, W. Benedikt & Haucap, Justus & Knoke, Leon, 2023. "The role of gender and coauthors in academic publication behavior," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 52(10).

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