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Methods

We used the Google Scholar Metrics service to compile a list of the top 100 scholarly publications, ordered according to their five-year h-index and h-median metrics as of 13th October 2018. In addition, we took the top 20 results from each of the 7 broad sub-categories offered by Google Scholar Metrics. We deduplicated the list, resulting in 171 journals.

Each title was assigned to two independent assessors who followed a standardised data-collection instrument (bit. ly/transposeform) and protocol. The aim was to mirror the experience of a researcher who might wish to find information on peer review and preprint policies online. Search began from the journal website, and internal links followed from there. No secondary sources were used (eg, assessor’s prior knowledge; external databases; contact with journal editorial staff). Assessors could use web keyword searches, for example “[journal name] AND …