How to use PubPeer to check papers?
Short answer
Search pubpeer.com by paper title, DOI, or author name. PubPeer shows community comments flagging data issues, image manipulation, and methodological problems. Install the PubPeer browser extension to see automatic alerts when viewing papers on journal websites or PubMed.
Execution Steps
- 1Go to pubpeer.com and search for the paper title, DOI, or author name.
- 2Review any comments, noting the type: data, image, methods, or editorial concerns.
- 3Check if the authors have responded to the concerns.
- 4Install the PubPeer browser extension for automatic alerts on journal and PubMed pages.
- 5Cross-reference with Retraction Watch and LancetClaw for a broader evidence review.
Prompt Template
Check if [paper DOI or title] has any PubPeer comments. If yes, summarize the concerns and assess their severity.
Common Failure Points
- Dismissing all PubPeer comments as trivial (some lead to major retractions)
- Taking anonymous comments at face value without evaluating the evidence
- Not checking PubPeer before citing a paper in your own work
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