The use and misuse of the "impact factor" as a parameter for evaluation of scientific publication quality: a proposal to rationalize its application
Open Access
- 1 December 2003
- journal article
- Published by FapUNIFESP (SciELO) in Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research
- Vol. 36 (12) , 1605-1612
- https://doi.org/10.1590/s0100-879x2003001200001
Abstract
We present a critical analysis of the generalized use of the "impact factor". By means of the Kruskal-Wallis test, it was shown that it is not possible to compare distinct disciplines using the impact factor without adjustments. After assigning the median journal the value of one (1.000), the impact factor value for each journal was calculated by the rule of three. The adjusted values were homogeneous, thus permitting comparison among distinct disciplines.Keywords
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