Hodge, DR; Lacasse, JR. 2011. Evaluating Journal Quality: Is the H-Index a Better Measure Than Impact Factors?. RESEARCH ON SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE 21 (2): 222-230

[Eugene Garfield]

Hodge, DR; Lacasse, JR. 2011. Evaluating Journal Quality: Is the H-Index a Better 
Measure Than Impact Factors?. RESEARCH ON SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE 21 (2): 222-
230.

Author Full Name(s): Hodge, David R.; Lacasse, Jeffrey R.
Language: English
Document Type: Article

Author Keywords: h-index; impact factors; journal quality; bibliometrics
KeyWords Plus: SOCIAL-WORK JOURNALS; FACULTY PUBLICATION PROJECT; GOOGLE-
SCHOLAR; BIBLIOMETRIC DATA; CITATION; SCIENCE; WEB; SCOPUS; PRODUCTIVITY; 
PERCEPTIONS

Abstract: Objectives: This study evaluates the utility of a new measure-the h-index-
that may provide a more valid approach to evaluating journal quality in the social work 
profession. Method: H-index values are compared with Thomson ISI 5-year impact 
factors and expert opinion. Results: As hypothesized, the h-index correlates highly 
with ISI 5-year impact factors; but exhibits closer agreement with expert opinion, 
particularly with high familiarity disciplinary journals. Conclusions: This evidence of 
convergent and discriminatory validity suggests that the h-index may have some utility 
in assessing social work journals. Notable advantages of the h-index include its 
compatibility with the profession's applied research culture and its ability to be used 
with essentially all journals in which social workers publish.

Addresses: [Hodge, David R.] Arizona State Univ, CoPP, Phoenix, AZ 85004 USA
Reprint Address: Hodge, DR, Arizona State Univ, CoPP, Mail Code 3920,411 N Cent 
Ave,Suite 800, Phoenix, AZ 85004 USA.

E-mail Address: davidhodge at asu.edu
ISSN: 1049-7315
DOI: 10.1177/1049731510369141
URL: http://rsw.sagepub.com/content/early/2010/05/24/1049731510369141.abstract