The Journal Impact Factor Should Not Be Discarded
Lutz Bornmann, Alexander I. Pudovkin
TL;DR
This paper defends the continued use of the Journal Impact Factor (JIF) for research evaluation, emphasizing its contextual utility despite longstanding criticisms.
Contribution
It argues that the JIF should not be discarded and can be useful when applied thoughtfully within specific academic contexts.
Findings
JIF remains a valuable metric when used appropriately
Criticisms of JIF often overlook its contextual benefits
Proper application of JIF can improve research assessment
Abstract
The Journal Impact Factor (JIF) has been heavily criticized over decades. This opinion piece argues that the JIF should not be demonized. It still can be employed for research evaluation purposes by carefully considering the context and academic environment.
Peer Reviews
No public reviews on file for this paper yet. If you reviewed it on a platform where reviews are public (OpenReview, ICLR, NeurIPS, ICML), you can paste yours below so the community can read it here.
Videos
No videos yet. Explain this paper in a talk, walkthrough, or lecture? Add one.
Taxonomy
Topicsscientometrics and bibliometrics research · Academic Publishing and Open Access · Health and Medical Research Impacts