In co-authored publications, determining which author(s) deserve how much credit is problematic. Some journals provide guidelines, but most do not. Moreover, guidelines are inconsistent. The first attached article from the medical literature illustrates this.
Special considerations may apply in cases of faculty-student publications. The second attached article discusses this issue.
In some cases co-author order may reflect ethical practices.
In co-authored publications, determining which author(s) deserve how much credit is problematic. Some journals provide guidelines, but most do not. Moreover, guidelines are inconsistent. The first attached article from the medical literature illustrates this.
Special considerations may apply in cases of faculty-student publications. The second attached article discusses this issue.
In some cases co-author order may reflect ethical practices.