Not all scientific journals are created equal. Some exist to advance knowledge — others exist to collect publishing fees. In this episode of Turfgrass Epistemology, we explore how to tell the difference.
I’ll walk through the refereed process and explain how it differs from standard peer review, why that distinction matters, and how the structure of editorial oversight determines the credibility of the science that reaches the public. We’ll also take a close look at predatory journals — publications that mimic legitimate science while bypassing or corrupting the review process in exchange for author fees.
But the story isn’t as simple as “good” versus “bad.” Even in a predatory journal, a paper may contain sound science — the key is learning how to weigh the evidence and evaluate quality for yourself. We’ll discuss:
What defines a refereed journal versus a peer-reviewed one.
How to spot red flags in a publication or website. Why impact factors and indexing are useful but not foolproof. The difference between open access done right and pay-to-publish exploitation. Practical ways any reader — scientist or not — can assess a journal’s credibility.
By the end, you’ll have a framework for evaluating whether a journal’s claims deserve your trust — and how to apply critical thinking before citing, sharing, or believing “published” results.
If you care about how we know what we know, and why evidence must be judged as well as gathered, this episode is for you.
🎓 Turfgrass Epistemology — How do we know what we know?
📌 https://www.gofundme.com/f/TurfgrassEpistemology
Thank you for being part of this community and for supporting evidence-based turfgrass science.
Join Turfgrass Epistemology to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-UZnHkJhAmARDZ4YoHnc_A/join
Voicemail: 859-444-4234
Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/turfgrass-epistemology/id1717271379
Spotify Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/1cTpdrChToeEFAOX9wkXFI
iHeart Radio Podcast https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-turfgrass-epistemology-129043524/
Podbean https://turfgrassepistemology.podbean.com/
Online consulting Calendly.com/TravisShaddox
Twitter Twitter.com/TravisShaddox
Email TravisShaddox@gmail.com
Turfgrass Programs and Extension Service Information: https://www.usna.usda.gov/assets/images/as_pdf_image/LandGrantColleges.pdf
Diagnostic Criteria for Turfgrass Bullshit Disorder:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y_GeVPQ237pzm0ImTP4eVij6I9D0PHPn/view
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Ruthie's Table 4
For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com