Explainer · Plain-language
What is a retraction?
A retraction is the formal withdrawal of a published article from the scholarly record, signalling that its findings or conclusions can no longer be relied upon. It is the most serious step in a graded set of post-publication corrections.
The step most authors miss
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The correction scale
Not every problem warrants a retraction. A correction (or corrigendum/erratum) fixes a discrete error that does not undermine the paper's conclusions. An expression of concern (EoC) flags credible but unresolved doubts, often while an investigation is ongoing. A retraction is reserved for cases where the findings are substantially unreliable or the work is seriously compromised.
Why articles are retracted
Retractions arise from both honest error — such as a discovered flaw in methods or an irreproducible result — and from research misconduct, including fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, image manipulation, or undisclosed conflicts. A retraction is not in itself an accusation of fraud; the notice should state the reason so readers understand why.
How retraction works
When concerns are raised, the journal — guided by COPE flowcharts — investigates, often with the authors' institution. If a retraction is warranted, the journal publishes a clearly labelled retraction notice linked to the original article, which remains visible but is marked as retracted so the record stays transparent. Services such as Retraction Watch and the Crossref-linked retraction metadata help propagate these signals.
Why retractions matter for integrity
Retractions keep the literature trustworthy by ensuring unreliable work is flagged rather than silently relied upon. Persistent identifiers and citation infrastructure increasingly carry retraction status, so that downstream citations can surface it — part of the research-integrity vocabulary the CASRAI Dictionary helps standardise.
Key facts
At a glance
- Definition: formal withdrawal of a published article
- Scale: correction → expression of concern → retraction
- Causes: honest error or misconduct (FFP and related)
- Guidance: COPE retraction guidelines and flowcharts
- Visibility: the article stays online, clearly marked as retracted
- Tracking: Retraction Watch; Crossref retraction metadata
Common misconceptions
What people often get wrong
Often heard: A retraction always means the authors committed fraud.
Actually: No — retractions cover honest error as well as misconduct. The notice should state the reason; many retractions arise from irreproducible or flawed results rather than deliberate wrongdoing.
Often heard: A retracted paper is deleted from the record.
Actually: No — the article normally stays available but is clearly labelled as retracted, so the scholarly record remains transparent and the reason is visible.
Going deeper
