Quotation accuracy in educational research articles

Abstract

This study examined to what extent educational research articles are cited in accordance with content. Analysis of 500 randomly selected citations from articles published between 2016 and 2020 and listed in Web of Science Core Collection revealed an overall accuracy rate of 85%. Quotation accuracy was independent of a citation's specificity and bibliometric characteristics. However, the severity of quotation mistakes was associated with how specific the content of a referenced source is described and whether authors quote the work of a colleague or their own. These findings are discussed in light of established accuracy rates in other academic fields and measures to reduce quotation errors are proposed.