Project - Investigation into the use of bibliometric methods for the evaluation of social sciences and humanities research
Client - Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)
Description - The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) commissioned Science-Metrix to investigate the use of bibliometrics for evaluation purposes in the research fields covered by its programs. “Traditional” bibliometric tools were developed to suit the natural sciences, so they are not necessarily appropriate for the social sciences and humanities (SSH). It was crucial for SSHRC to identify the extent to which bibliometric evaluation methods are adapted to SSH.
Science-Metrix report provides SSHRC with the tools to determine which bibliometric methods are appropriate for research evaluation in SSH and for whcih fields. The report consists of a literature review complemented by an original analysis by Science-Metrix. It describes recent developments in bibliometrics as applied to SSH. In particular, it investigates the limitations and obstacles faced by bibliometric methods in the context of SSH. Science-Metrix identifies existing and original methodological alternatives that address these limitations. These alternatives fulfill SSHRC’s evaluation needs, particularly in the area of benchmarking national research performance in order to identify Canada’s strengths and weaknesses in SSH and emerging research fields.
Archambault É. and Vignola-Gagné É. 2004.
The Use of Bibliometrics in the Social Sciences and Humanities. Prepared for the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) by Science-Metrix, 84 pages.
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