Preprinting the COVID-19 pandemic

The preprint operates within the dominant paradigm of scientific communication, which traditionally involves peer-reviewed journal publications. However, it acknowledges a shift towards preprints, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This preprint examines the role of preprints in disseminating COVID-19 research. It analyzes preprints on bioRxiv and medRxiv, comparing them to non-COVID-19 preprints and examining their characteristics, usage, and impact. The research uses established methodologies and data sources, fitting within the existing paradigm of scientometrics. While it highlights the increased use and importance of preprints during the pandemic, it doesn't propose a fundamental shift in how science is conducted or communicated. Therefore, it's classified as Normal Science. While some might consider this 'Model Drift' due to the observed changes in preprinting behavior, the core principles of scientific knowledge creation and dissemination remain unchanged, solidifying its classification as Normal Science.