How to use the Retraction Watch database?
Short answer
Go to retractiondatabase.org and search by paper title, author name, DOI, journal, or retraction reason. You can filter by date range, subject area, and retraction type. For automated checking, use LancetClaw which queries the Retraction Watch database through its API.
Execution Steps
- 1Navigate to the Retraction Watch database (retractiondatabase.org).
- 2Enter your search term: paper title, author name, DOI, or journal name.
- 3Filter results by retraction reason, date range, or subject area.
- 4Review each entry to understand why the paper was retracted.
- 5For bulk screening, export your reference list and use LancetClaw batch checker.
Prompt Template
Search the Retraction Watch database for retractions by [author name] in the field of [specialty]. Summarize the retraction reasons and any patterns.
Common Failure Points
- Only searching by title (author name search catches related retractions)
- Not checking the retraction reason (some are minor corrections, others are fraud)
- Assuming absence from Retraction Watch means the paper is clean (some retractions are not yet indexed)
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