van Aalst, J. 2010. Using Google Scholar to Estimate the Impact of Journal Articles in Education. EDUCATIONAL RESEARCHER 39 (5): 387-400

[Eugene Garfield]

van Aalst, J. 2010. Using Google Scholar to Estimate the Impact of Journal 
Articles in Education. EDUCATIONAL RESEARCHER 39 (5): 387-400.

Author Full Name(s): van Aalst, Jan
Language: English
Document Type: Article

Author Keywords: faculty development; Google Scholar; research impact
KeyWords Plus: WEB; RANKINGS; SCIENCE; SEARCH; SCOPUS

Abstract: This article discusses the potential of Google Scholar as an 
alternative or complement to the Web of Science and Scopus for measuring the 
impact of journal articles in education. Three handbooks on research in science 
education, language education, and educational technology were used to 
identify a sample of 112 accomplished scholars. Google Scholar, Web of 
Science, and Scopus citations for 401 journal articles published by these 
authors during the 5-year period from 2003 to 2007 were then analyzed. The 
findings illustrate the promise and pitfalls of using Google Scholar for 
characterizing the influence of research output, particularly in terms of 
differences between the three subfields in publication practices. A calibration of 
the growth of Google Scholar citations is also provided.

Addresses: Univ Hong Kong, Fac Educ, Pokfulum, Hong Kong, Peoples R China
Reprint Address: van Aalst, J, Univ Hong Kong, Fac Educ, 323 Runme Shaw 
Bldg, Pokfulum, Hong Kong, Peoples R China.

E-mail Address: vanaalst at hku.hk
ISSN: 0013-189X
DOI: 10.3102/0013189X10371120
fulltext: http://edr.sagepub.com/content/39/5/387.abstract