Staying Current: Pre-Prints

If you are looking for cutting-edge research you may want to investigate pre-prints. Pre-prints are drafts of research manuscripts that are shared on a public server. The use of pre-prints has increased dramatically, due in part to the COVD-19 pandemic. The advantage to searching this information is that there is a rapid dissemination of research. Pre-prints may go on to publication. The great disadvantage is the lack of peer-review. Use with caution.  

The benefits or value of pre-prints include:

• Rapid dissemination of research
• Open acccess
• Facilitates feedback and collaboration
• Sharing of negative results
• Distribution to a wider community
• No domination by publishing houses
• Speeds up peer review

The disadvantages of pre-prints include:

• Lacking peer review
• Missing corrections identified during the peer review process
• May include misleading claims
• May be open to misinterpretations or misuse
• Research can be scooped by someone else
• Speed favored over accuracy