Abstract:The issues being discussed in this article are the consequences of the use of specific (journal – or article - and researcher-based) metrics (“bibliometric indices”) for assessment of the performance of scientists and research proposals.The analysis is focused on the potential of the use of such indices to operate as a mechanism for control over the production of knowledge.The methodology is based on the complexity of relationships between sciences as systems for production of knowledge and their surrounding social environment. In these interactions arise motives for control and impact over knowledge production. The effects of these motive s are expanding mechanisms for control over sciences and the knowledge they produce. The impact of the control mechanisms distorts knowledge and co-generates non-knowledge. When societies use distorted knowledge they face expansion of the so called “new risks”.On this basis “bibliometric indices” are identified as co mponents of larger (in many cases - supranational) system for control over knowledge production (sciences’ dyna mics) and as generators of distorted knowledge and unexpected and negative consequences (new risks) for societies.

Keywords: control (over sciences and knowledge); crisis of sciences; social knowledge; distorted knowledge, non-knowledge; new risks; bibliometric; academic assessment.

Link:

RISKS IN USING BIBLIOMETRIC INDICATORS FOR PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF SCIENTISTS

Douhomir Minev

http://www.foibg.com/ijita/vol20/ijita20-01-p02.pdf