The rise of open-access publishing has provided researchers with more opportunities to share their work with a global audience. However, this has also led to the emergence of predatory journals, which prioritize profit over academic integrity. One journal that has been questioned by some researchers is the Open Journal of Social Sciences (OJSS). This topic examines whether OJSS can be classified as a predatory journal and what researchers should look for when choosing a publication outlet.
What Is the Open Journal of Social Sciences?
The Open Journal of Social Sciences (OJSS) is an online, open-access journal that publishes research papers across various social science disciplines. It claims to provide rapid peer review, wide dissemination, and affordable publication fees. The journal is managed by Scientific Research Publishing (SCIRP), a publishing company that has faced scrutiny in the academic community.
Key Features of OJSS:
- Publishes research in multiple fields of social sciences.
- Offers open-access availability for readers worldwide.
- Claims to have a fast peer-review process.
- Requires authors to pay an topic processing charge (APC).
Understanding Predatory Journals
Predatory journals are publishers that exploit the open-access model for profit without maintaining proper academic standards. They often have:
- Lack of rigorous peer review.
- Fake or exaggerated impact factors.
- Aggressive email solicitations.
- Low editorial oversight.
These journals mislead researchers by charging fees without ensuring quality publication standards.
Is the Open Journal of Social Sciences Predatory?
Several factors have raised concerns about whether OJSS is a predatory journal. Below are some key areas to consider:
1. The Publisher’s Reputation
OJSS is published by Scientific Research Publishing (SCIRP), a company that has been accused of questionable publishing practices. SCIRP has appeared on several academic watchlists due to concerns over its peer-review process and editorial standards.
2. Peer-Review Process
One of the biggest red flags of predatory journals is a weak or nonexistent peer-review process. OJSS claims to provide a fast review process, but many researchers argue that legitimate peer review takes time. If a journal publishes papers too quickly, it raises concerns about the quality and legitimacy of its reviews.
3. Editorial Board Concerns
Reputable journals have well-known and active scholars on their editorial boards. However, some researchers have reported that OJSS has:
- Editors with limited academic credentials.
- Editorial board members who are not active in the journal’s operations.
- Lack of transparency about who reviews submissions.
These are common warning signs of predatory practices.
4. Aggressive Email Solicitations
Many predatory journals send unsolicited emails inviting researchers to submit papers, often with promises of fast publication. Some scholars have reported receiving such emails from OJSS, raising concerns about its ethical practices.
5. Publication Fees (APCs)
Legitimate open-access journals charge reasonable fees to cover editorial and publication costs. However, predatory journals often charge high fees while providing minimal editorial services. Researchers should carefully check the APC structure of OJSS to determine whether the fees are justified.
6. Indexing and Impact Factor
Reputable journals are indexed in major academic databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. Many researchers have noted that OJSS is not indexed in these databases, which reduces its credibility.
How to Identify a Predatory Journal
If you are unsure whether a journal is predatory, consider the following checklist:
✔ Is the journal indexed in reputable databases?
✔ Does it have a transparent peer-review process?
✔ Are the editorial board members recognized experts in the field?
✔ Does it charge reasonable publication fees?
✔ Does it avoid aggressive email invitations?
If a journal fails in multiple areas, it may be predatory.
Should Researchers Publish in OJSS?
Publishing in a questionable journal can harm a researcher’s reputation and reduce the impact of their work. Before submitting to OJSS or any journal, researchers should:
- Verify the journal’s credibility.
- Check its indexing status.
- Read reviews from other academics.
- Consider alternative journals with stronger reputations.
While the Open Journal of Social Sciences presents itself as a legitimate open-access journal, there are multiple warning signs that suggest it may be predatory. Researchers should exercise caution, conduct thorough background checks, and prioritize journals that uphold high academic standards.
Before submitting a paper, always ensure the journal follows ethical publishing practices, provides genuine peer review, and is recognized in reputable academic databases.