A recursive field-normalized bibliometric performance indicator: An application to the field of library and information science

TL;DR

This paper introduces a recursive, field-normalized bibliometric indicator combining citation normalization and recursive weighing, but finds it sensitive to classification schemes and prone to bias, advising against its use.

Contribution

It proposes a new recursive bibliometric indicator that integrates field normalization and citation weighting, and critically evaluates its validity and biases.

Findings

Highly sensitive to field classification schemes

Reinforces biases from classification schemes

Not recommended for use due to sensitivity and bias

Abstract

Two commonly used ideas in the development of citation-based research performance indicators are the idea of normalizing citation counts based on a field classification scheme and the idea of recursive citation weighing (like in PageRank-inspired indicators). We combine these two ideas in a single indicator, referred to as the recursive mean normalized citation score indicator, and we study the validity of this indicator. Our empirical analysis shows that the proposed indicator is highly sensitive to the field classification scheme that is used. The indicator also has a strong tendency to reinforce biases caused by the classification scheme. Based on these observations, we advise against the use of indicators in which the idea of normalization based on a field classification scheme and the idea of recursive citation weighing are combined.