Tips to identify and avoid predatory journals
Step 1:
The first step to avoid a predatory journal is to verify that your target journal is indexed in the major journal indexing databases or is not listed in the predatory journal blacklists.
Journal Databases
If a journal is indexed in any of the following databases, that is a good indicator that it is not a predatory journal and you don’t need to investigate further. These databases have an evaluation policy and methodology (journal selection process) that they apply before they index journals. They check aspects such as editorial policy, peer review, publication frequency, and quality control.
1. Scopus
You can verify if the targeted journal is indexed in Scopus by searching it on the journal list search page. You can search by the journal’s title, ISSN, or publisher.
2. Web of Science
You can search for the journal in the Master Journal List. However, it requires a login to view the detailed record of the journal. You can create a free account if need be.
3. Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ)
You can easily search the DOAJ database to establish if the journal is indexed- You just need to enter the journal’s name, ISSN, or the journal’s publisher.
Blacklists
You should check whether the target journal is listed in any of the following blacklists. Also, all journals published by a predatory publisher are potentially predatory.
1. Cabells’ Journalytics and Predatory Reports
Cabells, previously known as Cabell’s directory of publishing opportunities, investigates journals to ensure they meet the minimum standards of credibility before they list them in Journalytics (formerly whitelist). That is, whether it is a real journal, published by academics, peer reviews papers, and has some decent quality control. Journals that they determine are deceptive or predatory are listed in the Predatory Reports (formerly blacklist). Avoid any journal listed in Predatory Reports.
2. Beall’s List of Predatory Journals
Jeffrey Beall, a librarian from Colorado, used to maintain a list of predatory journals in his blog (Scholarly Open Access) which was taken down in January 2017. However, the list is still available under new management and includes continuous additions as well. The list is available here;
Step 2:
If the journal cannot be found in the above databases and resources, it doesn’t automatically mean that it is predatory, questionable, or not legitimate. It might be a legitimate new journal that has not been indexed yet or a legitimate journal that is well established but is read and cited far less frequently than other journals in the discipline. What you can do then is to look closer at them from the viewpoint of the questions presented below primarily through its website before you consider submitting your manuscript. You may need to check the characteristics of predatory journals if still in doubt.
- Is the journal scope well defined and clearly stated on the journal’s website?
- Is the contact information clearly provided and available on the website? Search for the provided address in Google Maps and look at the street view. Does it look like the type of location or building a reputable journal would be expected to operate from?
- Are editors or members of the editorial board listed on the website recognized experts in the field with institutional affiliations? You can contact them and ask about their experience with the journal. Or simply Google search their information- If they are legitimate scholars in the discipline, they will have some sort of legitimate online presence and previously published articles.
- Is the journal sponsored, affiliated, or produced by a well-known and respected organization, association, or academic institution?
- Is the peer review process rigorous and explained clearly on the website?
- Is the publishing schedule and publication frequency clearly stated?
- Is the publication fee structure clearly explained and easy to find on the website?
- Does the journal have an impact factor or a solid ranking?
- Is the journal indexed in subject databases or indexes?
- Do the articles published on the site have Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs)?
- Evaluate some of the published articles on the journal’s website- Are they well-researched, scientifically sound, and fall within the stated scope?
You can download and use the Think. Check. Submit Checklist to make an informed decision on whether the journal you are considering submitting your research is legitimate.