Q: Can I write a new paper for a second set of results if the first set is already published as a paper?
I am a researcher working on image processing and deep learning. I have two sets of results (in terms of accuracy). The first set of results is published in a good journal. The second set of results produced a little less than the first set of results. The combination of methods varies for both. Is it worth submitting to a journal even though the results for the second aren't better than that of the first? Are there any chances that it will get accepted?
Let me summarize the information you have provided to ensure I have understood it correctly. You have performed two studies in the same area. You have already had the results from the first study published in a quality journal. The results of the second study are not so sound or significant as (or perhaps, do not match) those of the first study. This may be because you made a slight change to the methods in the second study. You now wish to know if you can send the results from the second study as a paper to another journal.
If you send the second paper (with somewhat varying results) to another journal, it may be a case of salami slicing, that is, having one study or paper published as multiple, smaller papers primarily to increase the number of publications in your name or to potentially increase the number of citations to your papers.
From what I understand of the situation, it may not be worthwhile to send the results of the second study for publication. But again, I don’t know the research, the results, or the methods. If you really seek to have the second set of results published, you could try sending it as an addendum to the first study. When you do so, the editor of the first journal will also be able to guide you on whether you should proceed with the submission, and if so, how you should go about it.
Related reading:
This content belongs to the Conducting Research Stage