Bias in Indexing: Effects on Visibility and Equity

Dear Colleagues,

Indexing spans a broad array of elements, including academic journals, articles, books, financial indices, animal species, and pharmaceuticals. Biases in indexing arise when indexing agencies systematically prioritize certain types of content over others, often influenced by factors such as language, geographic region, or publishing standards. Such biases can result in the unequal representation of diverse perspectives and restrict access to valuable research. Consequently, these biases have the potential to impede the advancement of knowledge and exacerbate existing inequalities. For instance, biases may emerge in the preferential treatment of specific journals or research domains, the prioritization of particular stocks in financial indices, or the classification of certain animal species or pharmaceuticals. These biases influence the manner in which information is represented and accessed, impacting research visibility, funding allocation, citation patterns, and even market behavior and investment decisions.

This Special Issue seeks to examine the characteristics, methodologies, and broader ramifications of biases in indexing, with a focus on how these factors shape the visibility and coverage of information across various contexts. We invite contributions that critically engage with empirical data, propose novel methodologies for identifying and mitigating biases, and assess the ways in which these practices influence decisions regarding the inclusion of content in academic research, public discourse, and market analyses. The objective is to advance a deeper understanding of how biases in indexing influence knowledge ecosystems and to promote practices that are more inclusive and representative.

Addressing these biases is critical, as they affect not only the visibility of research but also its potential for funding, citation impact, and overall scholarly influence. In financial contexts, indexing practices can alter market behavior, influence investment strategies, and shape broader economic perceptions. Research in this domain can offer valuable insights for policy development, inform improvements in indexing methodologies, and foster more equitable dissemination of knowledge.

We welcome submissions on the following topics:

• Theoretical frameworks for analyzing bias in indexing;
• Empirical investigations into the effects of indexing bias;
• Methodologies for detecting and mitigating biases in indexing;
• Case studies exploring the impact of indexing bias across various disciplines and regions;
• Critical evaluations of indexing practices and their potential for bias;
• Comparative analyses of different indexing databases and bodies;
• Investigations into how indexing practices shape financial markets;
• Policy recommendations for promoting equitable indexing practices;
• Analyses of local versus global indexing practices and their implications;
• The role of indexing in shaping public understanding and informing policy-making.

Dr. Eungi Kim
Dr. Bakthavachalam Elango
Guest Editors

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