The Evaluation Game: How Publication Metrics Shape Scholarly Communication

Scientific research is communicated, organized, financed, governed, and evaluated through the process of publication, leading to a competitive academic environment. This text provides an introduction to the origin and development of scholarly metrics and their effect on the quality and diversity of scientific research.

Format: Hardback
Length: 246 pages
Publication date: 27 April 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Scientific research is a multifaceted endeavor that involves the dissemination, organization, financing, governance, and evaluation of scholarly work. The culmination of this process yields a highly competitive academic environment, where researchers are incentivized to publish their findings in high-impact journals, thereby earning recognition and prestige. This phenomenon, often referred to as "publish or perish," underscores the importance of prolific output in the scientific community. Universities and other scientific institutions also face similar pressures, with their collective research output being closely scrutinized.

In order to measure academic productivity and assess the quality and diversity of scientific research, various scholarly metrics have been developed. These metrics serve as tools for evaluating the impact and significance of scientific publications. They encompass various dimensions, such as the number of citations received, the journal impact factor, the h-index, and the relative citation rate. These metrics have been widely adopted and have significant implications for the academic community.

On the one hand, the use of scholarly metrics has been praised for its ability to promote transparency, accountability, and objectivity in research evaluation. By providing a standardized framework for measuring research output, metrics enable researchers to compare their work with their peers and assess the impact of their contributions to the field. This transparency fosters a culture of excellence, encourages collaboration, and promotes the dissemination of high-quality research.

On the other hand, the use of scholarly metrics has also been criticized for its potential negative effects. Some argue that the emphasis on publication volume and journal impact factor can lead to a narrow focus on high-impact journals, which may exclude valuable research from less prestigious outlets. This can result in a lack of diversity in scientific output and a skewed representation of the field. Additionally, the use of metrics can create pressure on researchers to prioritize quantity over quality, leading to the publication of incomplete or flawed research.

Furthermore, the expression of "publish or perish" varies across different academic cultures and regions. In some cultures, publication is highly valued and seen as a means of achieving academic success and career advancement. In contrast, in other cultures, research is viewed as a more holistic endeavor that encompasses collaboration, intellectual curiosity, and the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake. The different expressions of "publish or perish" reflect the diverse academic environments and values that exist across the globe.

To navigate the complexities of research evaluation and metrics, it is essential to have a nuanced understanding of these tools. The Evaluation Game, a comprehensive guide to the origin and development of scholarly metrics, provides valuable insights into the impact of metrics on the quality and diversity of scientific research. By examining both the positive and negative outcomes of research evaluation and their distinct expressions around the globe, The Evaluation Game guides the way to a more grounded understanding of metrics and the diverse academic cultures they give rise to.

In conclusion, scientific research is a complex and multifaceted endeavor that requires the dissemination, organization, financing, governance, and evaluation of scholarly work. The use of scholarly metrics has become an integral part of this process, providing a standardized framework for measuring academic productivity and assessing the quality and diversity of scientific research. While metrics have their benefits, it is important to recognize their potential negative effects and to approach research evaluation with a nuanced understanding of the diverse academic cultures and values that exist across the globe. By fostering transparency, accountability, and objectivity in research evaluation, we can promote a culture of excellence and ensure that the fruits of scientific research are accessible to all.

Weight: 614g
Dimension: 176 x 252 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009351188