Barnes, C.S.: ¬The construct validity of the h-index (2016)
0.00
0.003773064 = product of:
0.018865319 = sum of:
0.018865319 = product of:
0.037730638 = sum of:
0.037730638 = weight(_text_:management in 3165) [ClassicSimilarity], result of:
0.037730638 = score(doc=3165,freq=4.0), product of:
0.14328322 = queryWeight, product of:
3.3706124 = idf(docFreq=4130, maxDocs=44218)
0.042509552 = queryNorm
0.2633291 = fieldWeight in 3165, product of:
2.0 = tf(freq=4.0), with freq of:
4.0 = termFreq=4.0
3.3706124 = idf(docFreq=4130, maxDocs=44218)
0.0390625 = fieldNorm(doc=3165)
0.5 = coord(1/2)
0.2 = coord(1/5)
- Abstract
- Purpose The purpose of this paper is to show how bibliometrics would benefit from a stronger programme of construct validity. Design/methodology/approach The value of the construct validity concept is demonstrated by applying this approach to the evaluation of the h-index, a widely used metric. Findings The paper demonstrates that the h-index comprehensively fails any test of construct validity. In simple terms, the metric does not measure what it purports to measure. This conclusion suggests that the current popularity of the h-index as a topic for bibliometric research represents wasted effort, which might have been avoided if researchers had adopted the approach suggested in this paper. Research limitations/implications This study is based on the analysis of a single bibliometric concept. Practical implications The conclusion that the h-index fails any test in terms of construct validity implies that the widespread use of this metric within the higher education sector as a management tool represents poor practice, and almost certainly results in the misallocation of resources. Social implications This paper suggests that the current enthusiasm for the h-index within the higher education sector is misplaced. The implication is that universities, grant funding bodies and faculty administrators should abandon the use of the h-index as a management tool. Such a change would have a significant effect on current hiring, promotion and tenure practices within the sector, as well as current attitudes towards the measurement of academic performance. Originality/value The originality of the paper lies in the systematic application of the concept of construct validity to bibliometric enquiry.