Citations, Citation Indicators, and Research Quality: An Overview of Basic Concepts and Theories
Nordic Institute for Studies in Innovation, Research and Education · Leiden University
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…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 78.40
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 132
Authors
3Topics & keywords
- Originality
- Citation
- Quality (philosophy)
- Relevance (law)
- Value (mathematics)
- Soundness
- Scientometrics
- Interpretation (philosophy)