If the same content is used in multiple papers, the key requirement is that this overlap is openly disclosed to journal editors and other relevant parties.

What is actually true?

Among typical multiple‑choice statements about this topic, the one that is considered correct is:

  • If the same content is used in multiple papers, it is essential that this information be properly disclosed to journal editors and other relevant entities.

This reflects common research‑integrity guidance that emphasizes transparency over secrecy when there is text, data, or figure overlap between submissions.

Why disclosure matters

  • Duplicate or overlapping publication can distort the scientific record, for example by inflating apparent evidence or citation counts if the same findings appear multiple times without clear links.
  • Ethical guidelines (such as ICMJE and COPE‑aligned policies) stress that any reuse of substantial content or data must be clearly explained to editors and properly cross‑referenced so readers can see how papers relate.

What is usually not true

Common “wrong” answer options in this kind of question include statements like:

  • “The research record is not affected by an author who publishes the same work multiple times.”
  • “Authors are never allowed to publish the same content multiple times.”
  • “Journal editors do not require authors to obtain permission for reusing the same content.”

These are considered false because:

  • Repeated publication without clarity can mislead future research and metrics.
  • There are limited, regulated situations where partial reuse is allowed (e.g., secondary analyses, translations, or multiple papers from one dataset), but only with strong justification and transparent cross‑citation.
  • Many journals explicitly require authors to declare prior or overlapping publications and may require permission for reuse of previously published material.

Big picture for authors

  • Seeking to publish the same or closely overlapping content in more than one paper is risky if done without openness; it can be treated as self‑plagiarism or duplicate publication.
  • The ethically sound path is to:
    1. Clearly inform editors about any prior or concurrent related work.
2. Ensure each paper adds a distinct, substantial contribution beyond the previous one.

3. Cross‑reference related articles so readers and reviewers see the full context.

Bottom line: For the question “which of the following is true regarding authors who seek to publish the same content in multiple papers?”, the correct choice is the one stating that any such reuse must be fully disclosed to journal editors and other relevant entities.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.