Publishing in a Scopus-indexed journal – a significant element of academic activity, particularly when preparing for a thesis defence or building a publication portfolio. When choosing a publication, authors often wonder about the expediency of considering fourth-quartile journals. Q4 is not a synonym for poor quality or simplified peer review; however, publishing in such journals has its own specific features, which are important to consider even at the stage of selecting a journal.
What is Q4 in Scopus and how the quartile is calculated
A journal quartile – a scientometric indicator reflecting the position of a publication among all journals in the same subject category. In the SCImago Journal Rank system, which is built on Scopus data, ranking is carried out based on the SJR (Scientific Journal Rankings) indicator. The quartile is assigned separately for each subject area, so the same journal can belong to different quartiles depending on the discipline.
The quartile reflects the comparative level of citations, rather than the presence or absence of editorial standards. A Q4 journal in Scopus – a peer-reviewed publication that has passed the selection procedure for inclusion in the database. The fundamental difference between quartiles is expressed primarily in the competitiveness of the publishing environment and the reach of the academic audience.
When is publishing in a Q4 is a good choice?
Fourth-quartile journals can be an appropriate choice in a number of specific academic situations:
- The research topic is of a highly specialised or regional nature, and high-ranking journals do not correspond to its profile.
- The author is gaining initial experience in international publication and working on a basic publication portfolio.
- Publication requirements involve Scopus indexing without a set minimum quartile.
- An important criterion is the publication timeframe, and among Q4 publications there are journals with a relatively short peer review cycle.
At the same time, before making a decision, it is recommended to clarify the current requirements of a specific institution or programme, since in some cases the quartile is taken into account when assessing publication activity – including when applying for grants or during performance review.
Peer review standards in Q4 journals
The peer review process in Q4 journals is determined by the editorial policy of the specific publication, rather than its quartile. Different models are used in various journals of this group – single-blind, double-blind, or open peer review. Average manuscript review times vary and can be comparable to journals in other quartiles or somewhat shorter – depending on the editorial workload and the volume of incoming materials.
At the same time, the requirements for the content of the article generally correspond to standard ones for peer-reviewed publications:
- scientific validity
- methodological correctness
- compliance with the thematic profile of the journal
- adherence to the norms of publication ethics
Non-compliance with these criteria, as a rule, serves as grounds for rejecting a manuscript regardless of the quartile.
How to choose a reliable Q4 journal in Scopus?
Choosing a publication requires a sequential check across several parameters. It is recommended to follow this order of actions:
- Check the journal's indexing in Scopus through official tools – SCImago Journal & Country Rank or the Scopus Sources database.
- Ensure that the subject of your work matches the journal's profile: a mismatch with the profile – one of the most common reasons for manuscript rejection without peer review.
- Study the editorial policy: formatting requirements for the manuscript, the presence and size of the APC (article processing charge), and the stated review times.
- Check whether the journal is included in warning lists of publications with questionable practices. Available tools include archived versions of Beall's List, which are still used by researchers as a reference, as well as the Think. Check. Submit. resource.
- Pay attention to the regularity of issues, the composition of the editorial board, and the presence of DOIs for published articles – these are additional indicators of the publication's integrity.
Risks of publishing in a Q4 journal and ways to mitigate them
The main risk when working with Q4 journals is associated not with the quartile itself, but with insufficient verification of the publication before submission. Among the journals in this group, there are both academically sound publications and journals with opaque peer review practices.
A separate category is made up of predatory journals: such publications typically charge a publication fee without providing a proper peer review in return. Another aspect worth noting – the academic value of the publication for its future use. If the publication is planned in the context of career advancement or participation in competitions with quartile requirements, it is advisable to take this factor into account even at the stage of selecting a journal.
Publishing in a Q4 journal in Scopus – a decision that, under certain academic objectives and conditions, can be entirely justified. The key factors in making it are the journal's correspondence to the research topic, its integrity as a publication, and the current requirements of a specific programme or institution. A thorough check of the journal prior to manuscript submission allows one to mitigate the associated risks and increase the probability of a successful publication.
Are you planning to publish an article in Scopus and want to navigate this path without unnecessary risks? The experts at Scientific Publications can assist you in preparing your article for publication: from selecting a journal and formatting the text to compiling a reference list and providing an academic translation. To receive a free consultation, fill out the form below – our manager will contact you shortly. Forward to a successful publication!
