In the literature, there is controversy whether or not there is a need for the treatment of uncertainties in scientometrics studies. What is your opinion?
Scientometrics itself is a statistical tool to measure certain publication phenomenon using the method of 'inference', in which some data may be skewed or unrealistic. Hence, uncertainties should also be considered in statistical studies to rule out any ambiguity.
Mamidi Koteswara Rao , thanks for your answer. I agree with your think about the uncertainties. But I would like to raise the understanding of Scientometrics to the level at which it "makes use of statistical and mathematical tools" to measure such publication phenomena. This is possible?
It may be possible. Just like we get unexpected results against some establishedhypotheses we may also identify uncertainties. good statisticians can do it.
Considering that these scientometric measurements are responsible for a good part of the reputation of scientists, institutions and research areas and that this favors these in the distribution of financing and other types of support, I think that the treatment of uncertainties should be increasingly improved.
Scientometrics is studied in the area of human sciences but, in the engineering sciences, metrology has been very successful in controlling its uncertainties. So, could metrology help Scientometrics in this control? Or is this just nonsense since both are measurement sciences and of course scientometrics already is included in metrology?
I am interested in reading more on the subject and would like recieve suggestions that make the correlation between scientometry and metrology.