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Evaluating research output through life work citation counts

Abstract

The total number of citations to all previous publications (“the life work” has often been used to evaluate the research output of target units such as persons or departments. However, a study of a sample of Dutch full professors of sociology shows that simple counting of citations may lead to unreliable results. Dependent upon recency of publication period, large variations in rankings and citation scores were observed. Other pitfalls of using life work citation counts were discussed, as well as how to avoid them. For fine-tuned assessment of research output, longitudinal analysis seems to be called for.

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Nederhof, A.J. Evaluating research output through life work citation counts. Scientometrics 7, 23–28 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02020138

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02020138

Keywords

  • Longitudinal Analysis
  • Research Output
  • Life Work
  • Full Professor
  • Citation Count