Yes, Impact factor is actually the citation Index. Sometimes it fails to tell about the impact on society. Policy makers, especially in the developing countries must think about the short term and long term impact of the research. Such impact could simply be filling a research gap, a positive change in the spiritual, social, or concrete form in any walk of human, animals or plants lives or could be a planning to heal any side of the universe, particularly the planet earth and it's surroundings.
Personally, I am of the opinion, judgment of researcher through impact factor only is not fully justifiable.
I agree. But how can this be achieved since impact factor is solely dependent on the average number of citations of all articles published in a particular journal?
Shujaul - personally, I fully agree. Academic Impact Factor and impact on society are best fully aligned. Impact metrics from key public stakeholders/policy-makers are often a better indicator on 'actual impact' - moreso than just traditional academic bibliometrics. Of course, if one can acheive both - then that is a bonus.
I agree. But how can this be achieved since impact factor is solely dependent on the average number of citations of all articles published in a particular journal?
Hi Shujaul, I agree with this but I think the Impact Factor gets a bad press. First of all it is a journal level metric and only tells you about a journal not the individual research articles. Second is that it is s statistical measure that is meant to be indicative of quality - a proxy if you like - not an actual measure of quality. You might be better using an altmetric score which applies to individual research articles and projects. I believe they are planning a new score that also includes citations. I think if you want more you actually have to go out and do an impact study! BW Matt
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