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Which h-index? An exploration within the Web of Science

Author

Listed:
  • Guangyuan Hu

    (Shanghai University of Finance and Economics)

  • Lei Wang

    (Shanghai National Accounting Institute)

  • Rong Ni

    (Shanghai University of Finance and Economics)

  • Weishu Liu

    (Zhejiang University of Finance and Economics)

Abstract

The h-index has attracted wide attention from both scientometricians and science policy makers since it was proposed in 2005. Advocates champion h-index for its simplicity embracing both quantity and quality, while also express concern about its abuse in research evaluation practices and database-dependence attribute. We argue that it is increasingly important to calculate and interpret the h-index precisely along with the rapid evolution of bibliographic databases. In memory of Dr. Judit Bar-Ilan, we join the h-index discussion in Scientometrics by further probing a similar “which h-index” question via comparing different versions of h-index within the Web of Science. In this article we put forward the reasons of different WoS h-indices from two perspectives, which are often neglected by bibliometric studies. We suggest that users should specify the details of data sources of h-index calculation for research promotion and evaluation practices.

Suggested Citation

  • Guangyuan Hu & Lei Wang & Rong Ni & Weishu Liu, 2020. "Which h-index? An exploration within the Web of Science," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 123(3), pages 1225-1233, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:scient:v:123:y:2020:i:3:d:10.1007_s11192-020-03425-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s11192-020-03425-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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