How Do You Spell RETRACTION WATCH?

Pronunciation: [ɹɪtɹˈakʃən wˈɒt͡ʃ] (IPA)

The proper spelling of "retraction watch" is /rɪˈtrækʃən wɑtʃ/. The first part of the word, "retraction," is spelled with an "r" followed by "e," which creates the /rɛ/ sound, and then followed by "a," creating the /æk/ sound. The second part of the word, "watch," is spelled just as it sounds, with the /wɑtʃ/ sound. The word "retraction" means the act of withdrawing or retracting a previous statement or claim, while "watch" refers to the act of keeping an eye on something closely.

RETRACTION WATCH Meaning and Definition

1. Retraction Watch is a comprehensive online platform dedicated to documenting, analyzing, and reporting retractions of scientific papers from various scholarly journals, thereby promoting transparency and integrity in scientific research. The term "retraction" refers to the withdrawal or removal of a previously published scientific article due to errors, misconduct, or other compelling reasons that undermine the validity or credibility of the findings.

   In the world of academic publishing, retractions are crucial in upholding the standards of research integrity and ensuring accurate dissemination of information. Retraction Watch serves as a watchdog for the scientific community by providing a centralized platform where retractions are cataloged, investigated, and reported. By doing so, it aims to hold researchers, institutions, and publishers accountable for any missteps or misconduct that can compromise the reliability and trustworthiness of scientific literature.

   The website monitors retractions across a wide range of disciplines, offering detailed explanations of the reasons behind each retraction and contextualizing them within the broader scientific landscape. It also conducts investigations into cases of scientific misconduct or questionable research practices and provides analysis on emerging trends related to retractions. Through its reporting, Retraction Watch facilitates discussions about the challenges and ethical issues in scientific publishing while promoting transparency and maintaining the integrity of scientific knowledge.

Etymology of RETRACTION WATCH

The word "retraction watch" is a combination of two individual words: "retraction" and "watch".

- "Retraction" is derived from the Latin word "retractio", which means "a pulling back, withdrawal, or retraction". It is formed from the prefix "re-" meaning "back" and the verb "tractio", meaning "pulling" or "drawing". In this context, "retraction" refers to the act of withdrawing or taking back something previously stated, published, or reported.

- "Watch" originates from the Old English word "wæcce" or "wacian", which means "to be awake, keep watch", or "be vigilant". It is related to the Proto-Germanic word "wahtōną", meaning "to be awake", and the Old Norse word "vaka", meaning "to be restless".