A Granger causality test of the causal relationship between the number of editorial board members and the scientific output of universities in the field of chemistry

Abstract

Editorial board members, who are considered the gatekeepers of scientific journals, play an important role in academia. The aim of this study is to explore the causal relationship between the number of editorial board members and the scientific output of universities. In this article, we have used time-series data and Granger causality test to explore the causal relationship between the number of editorial board members and the number of articles published by top universities in the field of chemistry. Furthermore, we interviewed some editorial board members about this causal relationship. The Granger causality test results suggest that the causal relationship is not obvious overall. Combining these findings with the results of qualitative interviews with editorial board members, we discuss the causal relationship between the two variables.