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: Paperback / softback
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 research publications. However, it is crucial to recognize that these metrics are not without their limitations and criticisms.

On the positive side, scholarly metrics can provide valuable insights into the productivity and impact of researchers. They can help identify trends, track the progress of scientific fields, and allocate resources effectively. By using these metrics, institutions can make informed decisions about funding, hiring, and promoting researchers. Moreover, scholarly metrics can encourage researchers to focus on high-quality research that has the potential to make meaningful contributions to the field.

On the negative side, the emphasis on scholarly metrics can lead to certain unintended consequences. For instance, it may create a pressure to publish in high-impact journals, even if the research is not of the highest quality or relevance. This can result in a skewed distribution of research findings, with some important discoveries being overlooked or underrepresented. Additionally, the use of metrics can create a culture of competitiveness and self-promotion, which may detract from the collaborative and collegial nature of scientific research.

Furthermore, the evaluation of scientific research can take different forms and expressions around the globe. Different academic cultures and institutions have their own evaluation criteria and practices, which can influence the way research is perceived and valued. This diversity can lead to disparities in the recognition and rewards of researchers, particularly in developing countries where resources and infrastructure may be limited.

To address these challenges, it is important to approach the evaluation of scientific research with a critical eye. Researchers should be aware of the potential limitations and biases of scholarly metrics and strive to publish their work in venues that are relevant to their field and have a positive impact on the community. Institutions should also prioritize the quality and relevance of research over the quantity of publications and provide support and resources to researchers who are working on innovative and impactful projects.

In conclusion, scientific research is a complex and multifaceted endeavor that requires effective communication, organization, financing, governance, and evaluation. The use of scholarly metrics has become an important tool for measuring academic productivity and assessing the quality and diversity of scientific research. However, it is crucial to approach these metrics with a critical eye and to prioritize the values of collaboration, openness, and scientific integrity. By doing so, we can ensure that scientific research continues to thrive and make meaningful contributions to our understanding of the world.

Weight: 428g
Dimension: 169 x 244 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009351195