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A critical cluster analysis of 44 indicators of author-level performance

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  • Wildgaard, Lorna

Abstract

This paper explores a 7-stage cluster methodology as a process to identify appropriate indicators for evaluation of individual researchers at a disciplinary and seniority level. Publication and citation data for 741 researchers from 4 disciplines was collected in Web of Science. Forty-four indicators of individual researcher performance were computed using the data. The clustering solution was supported by continued reference to the researcher’s curriculum vitae, an effect analysis and a risk analysis. Disciplinary appropriate indicators were identified and used to divide the researchers into four groups; low, middle, high and extremely high performers. Seniority-specific indicators were not identified. The practical importance of the recommended disciplinary appropriate indicators is concerning. Our study revealed several critical concerns that should be investigated in the application of statistics in research evaluation.

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  • Wildgaard, Lorna, 2016. "A critical cluster analysis of 44 indicators of author-level performance," Journal of Informetrics, Elsevier, vol. 10(4), pages 1055-1078.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:infome:v:10:y:2016:i:4:p:1055-1078
    DOI: 10.1016/j.joi.2016.09.003
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    5. Zharova, Alona & Härdle, Wolfgang Karl & Lessmann, Stefan, 2023. "Data-driven support for policy and decision-making in university research management: A case study from Germany," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 308(1), pages 353-368.
    6. Fabio Zagonari, 2019. "Scientific Production and Productivity for Characterizing an Author’s Publication History: Simple and Nested Gini’s and Hirsch’s Indexes Combined," Publications, MDPI, vol. 7(2), pages 1-30, May.
    7. Qingsong Wang & Hongrui Tang & Xueliang Yuan & Mansen Wang & Hongkun Xiao & Zhi Ma, 2018. "An Early Warning System for Oil Security in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(1), pages 1-17, January.
    8. Gauffriau, Marianne, 2017. "A categorization of arguments for counting methods for publication and citation indicators," Journal of Informetrics, Elsevier, vol. 11(3), pages 672-684.

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