Metrics in Research Evaluation
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Date
2015-03-12
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INFLIBNET Centre
Abstract
A recent rise in the accountability of research programmes, driven by economic circumstances, makes
research evaluation increasingly needed. At the same time, computational advances and the advent of the
Internet have given rise to a variety of metrics. If used appropriately, and in conjunction with peer evaluation
and careful interpretation, these can inform and enhance research assessment through the benefits of
impartiality, comparability, and scalability. Three initiatives (the DORA declaration, the HEFCE review of
metrics, and the Snowball metrics project) have recently made the call for metrics to be appropriately used in
research evaluation at various levels. Research assessment scenarios are multiple and complex; circumstances
may shift for the same entities in different roles. A few easy tricks can help make the best use of metrics in
research evaluation exercises: the use of trends, benchmarks and comparators, normalisation to size or
resources, geographic or subject breakdowns, triangulation of indicators, and last but not least vigilant
consideration of context.
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Keywords
Research Evaluation, Research Performance, Research Assessment, Metrics, Bibliometrics, Altmetrics and Indicators