How does open access affect citations?

What impact does open access publishing have on the number of citations a paper receives?

Open access publishing generally increases the visibility of research, leading to higher citation rates compared to traditional publishing.

Why do open access articles get cited more often?

Open access articles are freely available to anyone, which broadens their reach and allows more researchers to access and cite them.

Are there any studies that support this claim?

Yes, several studies have shown that open access articles tend to receive more citations. For example, a study published in PLOS ONE found that open access articles had 18% more citations on average.

Does the type of open access model matter for citation rates?

Yes, the model can matter. Gold open access, where articles are freely available immediately, often leads to higher citation rates than green open access, where articles are made available after an embargo period.

What are some challenges associated with open access publishing?

Challenges include funding for article processing charges, quality control, and the potential for predatory journals that exploit the open access model.