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On quantity versus quality (or much ado about nothing).

Writer's picture: Jason ThatcherJason Thatcher

Since I was a young scholar, I have taken shots for pursuing a high-volume publication model.


The first time that I recall is when another assistant professor expressed contempt for publication for publication’s sake. Their quality strategy was better bc they only published what mattered to them.


I earned tenure - they did not - but anyway.


The second time that I recall is when a famous professor commented that my record was coming together nicely, but that they only would pursue interesting papers - not every paper.


I later learned that they only put papers in famous journals on their CV. They had plenty of quantity. Why misrepresent?


The third time that had an impact on me was when a senior colleague advised me to pursue that one special solo-authored paper, that could define my career vs just another paper.


I could see their point: who doesn’t want a signature paper? But my model is to write papers that I like with people that I like, why would I chase a solo-authored work?


When I reflect on my career, I am struck that people choose to comment on my publication model or to comment on publication in general.


I am also struck that the comments are rich in normative prescriptions for the best way to conduct research.


So in #midcareer, a few observations for #earlycareer scholars, to navigate this rat’s nest of opinions.


First. It’s your #career. You pick the model that makes you comfortable.


I write a lot of papers bc I enjoy the process. I like having my questions answered. I like working in teams.


It is equally legit to pursue a low-volume model with just one or two co-authors.


Second. Limit judging other people’s productivity.


I have found #judgypeople usually have some kind of insecurity.


Don’t amplify or sanction people for how they choose to pursue their work, it just makes you look jealous.


Accept that some of your #colleagues use #methods that lead to high or low-volume work - which is fine if the work is good.


Third. Quality of papers.


A lot of low-quality papers don’t help anyone. Nor does just one or two bad papers.


Whether you chase a high or low-volume model, just do good work.


Fourth. The only quantity that matters is the ‘n’ for #tenure or #promotion.


Wait to join the productivity debates after you know the requirements of your home institution.


Focus on what matters for you & limit judging others' work - you are not King Solomon.


Finally. Remember quality does not mean the same thing for everyone.


I come for a place that uses a narrow & restrictive journal list.


I have friends at places with broader #journallists.


When we work together, our deal is the paper needs to matter for someone on the team.


We define #quality together.


In the end, you have to find a model that works for you & you need to accept the model is not the same for everyone.


What matters is you are happy & enjoy your work!



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