OPEN ACCESS IN THE DISSEMINATION OF SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE IN PSYCHOLOGY

The purpose of this study is to compare the features of Open Source and Open Access movements against those of the classic publishing model. It is argued that scientific dissemination is hindered by the continuous rise of academic journals prices, while the quality of research may be impaired by conflicts of interest arising from the commercialization of scientific knowledge. This study also shows some dissemination tendencies in English and Spanish Psychology journals. It is hinted that standard publication and editorial dissemination processes do not appear to be adjusting quick enough, to follow the technological and social changes required by the current scientific production. The authors of the present study conclude that Open Access scientific publishing could ensure a higher efficiency in the distribution of scientific knowledge in comparison to the standard publishing model. In addition it is conjectured that Open Access publishing might also reduce the incidence of conflicts of interests.