Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 18, 2026
05:02
Comparing Bibliometric Analysis Using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science Databases
Published on: October 24, 2019
34.2K
ASM Journals Eliminate Impact Factor Information from Journal Websites
Arturo Casadevall1, Stefano Bertuzzi2, Michael J Buchmeier3
1Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Msphere
|July 14, 2016
Summary
Scientists often pursue high journal impact factors (IFs), despite criticism. These IFs are frequently misused in academic decisions, including hiring and promotions.
Area of Science:
- Bibliometrics
- Scholarly Communication
- Scientific Publishing
Background:
- Journal Impact Factor (JIF) is a widely used metric in academic publishing.
- Despite criticism, JIFs influence critical decisions in science.
- The misuse of JIFs persists in academic evaluations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the continued reliance on Journal Impact Factors (JIFs) in scientific evaluations.
- To highlight the ongoing misuse of JIFs in academic contexts.
- To discuss the implications of JIF misuse in research assessment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on bibliometrics and journal impact.
- Analysis of citation data and publication trends.
- Examination of policies and practices in academic hiring and promotion.
Main Results:
- The pursuit of high JIFs remains prevalent among researchers.
- JIFs are demonstrably misused in hiring, funding, and promotion decisions.
- Widespread condemnation has not curbed the misuse of JIFs.
Conclusions:
- The misuse of Journal Impact Factors (JIFs) in academic assessment is a persistent issue.
- Alternative metrics and a more nuanced evaluation of research are needed.
- Addressing JIF misuse is crucial for fair and accurate scientific evaluation.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Impact Loading
806
Impact loading occurs when a moving object collides with a stationary structure, such as a rod with a uniform cross-sectional area fixed at one end. Under these conditions, the rod absorbs the kinetic energy from the striking object, leading to deformation and subsequent stress development. As the rod returns to its original position and reaches maximum stress, the absorbed energy, initially manifested as kinetic energy, transforms entirely into strain energy.
In cases of elastic deformation,...
In cases of elastic deformation,...
806
01:30Impact
570
Impact occurs when two bodies collide, leading to the application of impulsive forces between them. Analyzing impact mechanics involves considering two colliding particles moving along a line known as the line of impact, which passes through their centers and is perpendicular to the contact plane.
When particles with different initial velocities collide, they induce deformation by applying equal and opposite impulses. At the point of maximum deformation, the particles move together with...
When particles with different initial velocities collide, they induce deformation by applying equal and opposite impulses. At the point of maximum deformation, the particles move together with...
570
01:30Types of Impact
1.1K
Impacts can be classified in various forms, primarily under two subgroups: central impact and oblique impact. A central impact occurs when two objects collide head-on, possessing opposite velocities aligned along the line of impact. Conversely, an oblique impact occurs when two objects collide at an angle, resulting in a modification of both direction and velocity.
The coefficient of restitution is a metric for understanding the dynamics of impacts. It quantifies the ratio of relative velocity...
The coefficient of restitution is a metric for understanding the dynamics of impacts. It quantifies the ratio of relative velocity...
1.1K
01:18Factors Affecting Illness
5.6K
When a person's physical, emotional, intellectual, social development or spiritual functioning is compromised, this deviation from a healthy normal state is called illness. Illness creates stress that in turn harms individuals. Irritation, anger, denial, hopelessness, and fear are behavioral and emotional changes an individual experiences in the phases of illness. A variety of factors influence a person's health and well-being.
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...
5.6K
01:17Factors Affecting Activity Coefficient
1.8K
The extended Debye-Hückel equation indicates that the activity coefficient of an ion in an aqueous solution at 25°C depends on three partially interdependent properties: the ionic strength of the solution, the charge of the ion, and the ion size.
The activity coefficient value for an ion is close to one when the solution has almost zero ionic strength, i.e., when the solution shows close to ideal behavior. As the ionic strength of the solution increases from 0 to 0.1 mol/L, a...
The activity coefficient value for an ion is close to one when the solution has almost zero ionic strength, i.e., when the solution shows close to ideal behavior. As the ionic strength of the solution increases from 0 to 0.1 mol/L, a...
1.8K
00:46Feedback Inhibition
58.4K
Biochemical reactions are occurring constantly in cells, converting starting substances to different products, usually with the help of enzymes that speed the reactions. Without enzymes, it would take far too long for most reactions to occur to be useful to the cell!
58.4K