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What heuristics help you decide if a research preprint deserves to be cited ...
Question
Preprints are everywhere, but they lack formal peer review. Some are high‑quality complete work; others are preliminary rough drafts. What quick heuristics guide your decision whether to cite a given preprint in your journal paper?
Paul Moore, Patrick Hall and 89 others4 Comments-
Check how complete the methodology, results and discussion sections appear.
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Consider whether there exists any corresponding peer‑reviewed published alternative.
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Note preprint version number; watch for heavily updated successive releases.
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Be extra cautious citing preprints which make very strong headline‑style claims.
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