Conflict of Interest
nounPronunciation: /ˈkɒnflɪkt əv ˈɪntərəst/
A situation where an author, reviewer, or editor has financial, professional, or personal relationships that could bias their judgment regarding a manuscript. Journals require disclosure of such conflicts to maintain publication integrity and reader trust.
Plain English
When someone involved in publishing might benefit personally or professionally from a paper's acceptance or rejection.
Etymology & History
Usage
"The reviewer had a conflict of interest because she worked for a company that funded the research being evaluated."
Style guide notes: Write 'Conflict of Interest' with capitals when referring to formal journal policies; lowercase in general usage.
Also known as
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What constitutes a reportable Conflict of Interest?
Financial ties, employment, family relationships, stock ownership, or personal rivalries related to the manuscript.
What happens if conflicts aren't disclosed?
Undisclosed conflicts can lead to retractions, damage to credibility, and institutional sanctions for involved parties.
Why Test Candidates on This?
Essential for understanding ethical standards and integrity mechanisms in academic publishing workflows.
Required skill level: Mid