The Problem with Permanent Expressions of Concern: Perpetual Doubt

Abstract

The expression of concern (EoC) evolved in the neoliberal corrective culture of science to represent an “alert system” for potential problems with papers that might arise at the post-publication stage. One of the problems with EoCs is that they may take months or even years to resolve, while some EoCs remain as such forever. Fairly recently, Elsevier, a publishing giant, introduced a new form of EoCs, or rather, the plain EoC morphed into two types, the temporary EoC, and the permanent EoC. The permanent EoC leaves that paper in a permanent state of unknown use and unclear reliability.

Keywords

• corrections; literature integrity; misconduct; retractions; transparency