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The Slowdown of the Economics Publishing Process

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  • Glenn Ellison

Abstract

Over the last three decades there has been a dramatic slowdown of the publication process at top economics journals. A substantial part is due to journals' requiring more extensive revisions. Various explanations are considered: democratization of the review process, increases in the complexity of papers, growth of the profession, and cost and benefit arguments. Changes in the profession are examined using time-series data. Connections between these changes and the slowdown are examined using paper-level data. There is evidence for some explanations, but most of the slowdown remains unexplained. Changes may reflect evolving social norms.

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  • Glenn Ellison, 2002. "The Slowdown of the Economics Publishing Process," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 110(5), pages 947-993, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucp:jpolec:v:110:y:2002:i:5:p:947-993
    DOI: 10.1086/341868
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    • A14 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Sociology of Economics

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