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The metrics maze in science: navigating academic evaluation without journalistic pressures
Carlo Alviggi1, Rossella E Nappi2, Antonio La Marca3
1Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
Reproductive Biomedicine Online
|April 18, 2024
Summary
Medical research, particularly in reproductive medicine, faces a trend of prioritizing publication quantity over quality. This shift risks undermining scientific rigor and impactful contributions, necessitating a re-evaluation of academic assessment criteria.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- A concerning trend of prioritizing publication quantity over quality is evident in medical research.
- This is particularly notable in reproductive medicine, with the rise of 'hyper-prolific researchers'.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the underlying reasons for the increased emphasis on publication quantity.
- To examine the potential compromise of scientific expertise and impactful contributions due to this trend.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative analysis of publication trends in medical research.
- Discussion of the impact of quantitative metrics on academic career progression.
Main Results:
- The pressure for prolific publication records risks compromising meticulous expertise.
- Overreliance on metrics shifts focus from scientific contribution to numerical quantification.
Conclusions:
- The current evaluation systems may be ineffective, prioritizing speed over systematic scientific principles.
- A re-evaluation of assessment criteria is needed to balance quantity and quality, fostering meaningful contributions.
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