Abstract
Citations are increasingly used as performance indicators in research policy and within the research system. Usually, citations are assumed to reflect the impact of the research or its quality. What is the justification for these assumptions and how do citations relate to research quality? These and similar issues have been addressed through several decades of scientometric research. This article provides an overview of some of the main issues at stake, including theories of citation and the interpretation and validity of citations as performance measures. Research quality is a multidimensional concept, where plausibility/soundness, originality, scientific value, and societal value commonly are perceived as key characteristics. The article investigates how citations may relate to these various research quality dimensions. It is argued that citations reflect aspects related to scientific impact and relevance, although with important limitations. On the contrary, there is no evidence that citations reflect other key dimensions of research quality. Hence, an increased use of citation indicators in research evaluation and funding may imply less attention to these other research quality dimensions, such as solidity/plausibility, originality, and societal value.
Highlights
In recent years, bibliometric indicators have increasingly been applied in the context of research evaluation as well as research policy more generally
The article is structured as follows: As an introduction, we describe some basic issues relating to the construction of citation indicators
There seems to be a widespread assumption that this issue cannot be adequately assessed through standard citation indicators, and in recent years, increasing attention has been devoted to developing methodologies for assessing and measuring societal relevance and impact (Bornmann, 2012, 2013)
Summary
Bibliometric indicators have increasingly been applied in the context of research evaluation as well as research policy more generally. This article provides an overview of basic issues related to citations, citation indicators, and their interpretation and validity as performance measures.2 The question of how citations may relate to or reflect various aspects of the concept of research quality is paid particular attention.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
