Annals of epidemiology
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Annals of epidemiology · Nov 2010
"Equal" contributions and credit: an emerging trend in the characterization of authorship.
Scientific manuscripts sometimes have two or more authors explicitly designated as having "contributed equally" to the study. The prevalence and characteristics of this practice are not known. The goal of this study was to identify longitudinal trends and characteristics of the practice of explicitly giving authors equal credit in publications found in major medical journals. ⋯ The practice of explicitly giving authors equal credit is increasingly common in original research publications. Scientific journals should consider providing guidance for authors regarding this practice. Furthermore, the potential impact of this practice on evaluations for academic promotion should be assessed.