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An empirical and theoretical critique of the Euclidean index

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  • Andersen, Jens Peter

Abstract

The recently proposed Euclidean index offers a novel approach to measure the citation impact of academic authors, in particular as an alternative to the h-index. We test if the index provides new, robust information, not covered by existing bibliometric indicators, discuss the measurement scale and the degree of distinction between analytical units the index offers. We find that the Euclidean index does not outperform existing indicators on these topics and that the main application of the index would be solely for ranking, which is not seen as a recommended practice.

Suggested Citation

  • Andersen, Jens Peter, 2017. "An empirical and theoretical critique of the Euclidean index," Journal of Informetrics, Elsevier, vol. 11(2), pages 455-465.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:infome:v:11:y:2017:i:2:p:455-465
    DOI: 10.1016/j.joi.2017.02.009
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    1. Rodrigo Costas & Thed N. van Leeuwen & María Bordons, 2010. "A bibliometric classificatory approach for the study and assessment of research performance at the individual level: The effects of age on productivity and impact," Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, Association for Information Science & Technology, vol. 61(8), pages 1564-1581, August.
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    1. J. Atsu Amegashie, 2020. "Citations And Incentives In Academic Contests," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 58(3), pages 1233-1244, July.
    2. M. Ryan Haley, 2020. "Combining the weighted and unweighted Euclidean indices: a graphical approach," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 123(1), pages 103-111, April.

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