Evaluating Journal Quality: Is the H-Index a Better Measure Than Impact Factors?
- 11 June 2010
- journal article
- Published by SAGE Publications in Research on Social Work Practice
- Vol. 21 (2), 222-230
- https://doi.org/10.1177/1049731510369141
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.This publication has 54 references indexed in Scilit:
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