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The Predation Index: A Tool to Discover Predatory Journals

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 August 2025

Annika Marlen Sabine Hinze Open the ORCID record for Annika Marlen Sabine Hinze [Opens in a new window] ,
Daniel Stockemer Open the ORCID record for Daniel Stockemer [Opens in a new window]  and
Theresa Reidy Open the ORCID record for Theresa Reidy [Opens in a new window]
Annika Marlen Sabine Hinze
Affiliation:
https://ror.org/03qnxaf80Fordham University, USA
Daniel Stockemer
Affiliation:
https://ror.org/03c4mmv16University of Ottawa, Canada
Theresa Reidy
Affiliation:
https://ror.org/03265fv13University College Cork, Ireland
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Abstract

Predatory journals have become omnipresent in academia. Hardly a day goes by that a political scientist does not receive a solicitation from a dubious outlet. Yet, we have neither clearly identifiable criteria to help us recognize predatory journals nor the tools to detect them. This article seeks to remedy this situation. We propose and validate a 10-item predation index, which should help researchers to identify the degree to which a journal is predatory. Even if there is individual subjectivity in the application of the criteria, we believe that the predation index can be a strong and easily usable tool for political and social scientists.

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Article
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PS: Political Science & Politics , First View , pp. 1 - 7
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of American Political Science Association

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