Abstract: This article critically examines the role of citations in the evaluation of scientific contributions, tracing the evolution of citation theory from its normative origins to contemporary constructivist perspectives. It delves into how citations have historically been used as indicators of scientific quality and impact, while also discussing the influence of social, political, and rhetorical factors that may complicate their interpretive value. With the rise of digital media, the introduction of altmetrics is explored as an alternative measure that captures broader impacts of research. The article highlights the challenges associated with traditional citation metrics, including potential biases and the Matthew effect, and argues for a more nuanced approach to research evaluation that includes a combination of citation analysis, qualitative measures, and new metrics. By offering a comprehensive review of citation practices across different disciplines, the article provides valuable insights for academics, researchers, and policymakers involved in research evaluation.
Keywords: Citation theory, scientific evaluation, altmetrics, research impact, citation biases, normative theory, constructivist perspectives, academic metrics, scholarly communication, research policy.
Title: Citations in Scientific Evaluation: University Teaching Material on the Role of Citations in Academic Contributions
Author: Javier de la Hoz-Ruíz, Maria del Carmen Flores Piñero, Javier Mula Falcón
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
Vol. 12, Issue 2, April 2024 - June 2024
Page No: 192-194
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 01-June-2024
