Rate my research dot com: measuring what we value, and valuing what we measure
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to question the dominance of citation metrics in the evaluation of the impact of research and prompt debate on how to evaluate impact in different contexts.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper takes the form of a viewpoint and review of how metrics are used currently and presents recommendations for change.
Findings
Whilst recognising the continued relevance and importance of citation as a measure of impact, the paper highlights how this measure overshadows all other types of impact (on practice, teaching, public policy, society) and, in turn, has the potential to distort academic research practice.
Research limitations/implications
Additional research should follow to identify other methods of evaluating research impact with a specific emphasis on the development of usage metrics.
Practical implications
The paper calls on all parties within the research dissemination process (academics, publishers, funding bodies) to formulate new ways of evaluating research.
Originality/value
The paper challenges current thinking on how to evaluate research and makes a number of recommendations, specifically around article usage.
Keywords
Citation
Peters, J. and Marsh, R. (2009), "Rate my research dot com: measuring what we value, and valuing what we measure", Management Decision, Vol. 47 No. 9, pp. 1452-1457. https://doi.org/10.1108/00251740910995657
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2009, Emerald Group Publishing Limited