van Leeuwen, T (van Leeuwen, Thed) Testing the validity of the Hirsch-index for research assessment purposes RESEARCH EVALUATION, 17 (2): 157-160 JUN 2008

[Eugene Garfield]

E-mail Address: leeuwen at cwts.nl 

Author(s): van Leeuwen, T (van Leeuwen, Thed)
 
Title: Testing the validity of the Hirsch-index for research assessment 
purposes 

Source: RESEARCH EVALUATION, 17 (2): 157-160 JUN 2008 

Language: English 

Document Type: Article 

Keywords Plus: H-INDEX; BIBLIOMETRIC INDICATORS; SCIENTISTS; RANKING 

Abstract: This paper describes the results of a recent bibliometric study 
conducted in the Netherlands focusing on the level of the individual 
researcher, in relation to an academic reward system. In this study, the 
Hirsch-Index is compared with various bibliometric indicators and other 
characteristics of researchers, and its usefulness in particularly 
research assessment procedures is tested. We find a strong bias towards 
the research field(s) in which a researcher is active, thereby limiting 
the validity of this indicator for the specific interest of evaluation 
practices. Further analyses on a sample of scientists of various ages 
should test the sensitivity of the indicator towards age or length of 
career.
 
Addresses: Leiden Univ, Ctr Sci & Technol Studies CWTS, NL-9555 RB Leiden, 
Netherlands 

Reprint Address: van Leeuwen, T, Leiden Univ, Ctr Sci & Technol Studies 
CWTS, Wassenaarseweg 52,POB, NL-9555 RB Leiden, Netherlands. 

E-mail Address: leeuwen at cwts.nl 

Cited Reference Count: 8 

Times Cited: 0 

Publisher: BEECH TREE PUBLISHING 

Publisher Address: 10 WATFORD CLOSE,, GUILDFORD GU1 2EP, SURREY, ENGLAND 

ISSN: 0958-2029 

DOI: 10.3152/095820208X319175 

29-char Source Abbrev.: RES EVALUAT 

ISO Source Abbrev.: Res. Evaluat. 

Source Item Page Count: 4 

Subject Category: Information Science & Library Science 

ISI Document Delivery No.: 319NH 

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