Exploring the link between research funding, co-authorship and publication venues

An empirical study in communication, political science, and sociology

Bibliographic Data

ID22260795
AuthorsMárton Demeter (0000-0002-9888-9682, Universidad Complutense de Madrid), Manuel Goyanes (0000-0001-8329-0610, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid), Zsolt Kohus (0000-0002-2153-615X, Széchenyi István University), Homero Gil De Zúñiga (0000-0002-4187-3604, Pennsylvania State University, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume4
Issue1
Pages60-81
Publication date2025-02-25
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueOnline Media and Global Communication (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2749-9049 • E-ISSN: 2749-9049
PublisherWalter de Gruyter GmbH (PUBLISHER • DE)
DOI10.1515/omgc-2024-0046
OpenAlexW4407400134
LanguageEN
References cited58

Purpose The paper investigates the relationship between research funding and its impact on co-authorship and journal selection in the social sciences, specifically in communication, political science, and sociology. It examines whether funded research projects are associated with more co-authors and higher journal prestige, revealing that funded papers generally involve larger teams, and are published in more prestigious journals, with some exceptions in sociology. Design/methodology/approach The study employs a quantitative content analysis research design, examining 1,091 articles across the fields of communication, political science, and sociology. It employs statistical techniques, including a Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square goodness-of-fit test, and chi-square test of independence, to assess the relationship between research funding, the number of co-authors, and journal quartile rankings. Findings The main findings reveal that funded papers typically have more co-authors and are more likely to be published in prestigious journals, especially in communication and political science. However, sociology shows no significant link between funding and journal prestige. Across all disciplines, non-funded papers are more common, reflecting the general underfunding of social sciences. Practical implications The results suggest that research funding can significantly enhance collaboration and increase the likelihood of publication in prestigious journals, emphasizing the need for more targeted funding in social sciences to boost research quality and visibility. Policymakers and funding agencies should consider these dynamics when allocating resources to ensure that underfunded disciplines, like sociology, receive adequate support to enhance their academic and societal impact. Additionally, researchers may benefit from seeking funding opportunities that facilitate larger, more diverse collaborations. Social implications The study’s findings highlight the broader social implications of unequal research funding, which can exacerbate disparities in knowledge production and dissemination. The overrepresentation of funded research in prestigious journals may reinforce existing power structures, limiting the visibility of non-funded but potentially impactful research. Addressing these imbalances could lead to a more diverse and equitable academic landscape, fostering innovation and inclusive knowledge that better reflects a wider range of societal needs and perspectives. Originality/value The primary value of this study lies in its empirical evidence, which has the potential to enhance future social science research practices. Additionally, it highlights how targeted financial support can promote more diverse, impactful, and socially responsible research

Empirical research · Epistemology · Library science · Media studies · Political science · Politics · Public relations · Publishing · Scholarly communication · Social science · Sociology · Academic Publishing and Open Access · Computer Science · Law · scientometrics and bibliometrics research

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