In defense of quantitative metrics in researcher assessments

by John P. A. Ioannidis, Zacharias Maniadis

Qualitative assessments of researchers are resource-intensive, untenable in nonmeritocratic settings, and error-prone. Although often derided, quantitative metrics could help improve research practices if they are rigorous, field-adjusted, and centralized.

Using quantitative metrics to assess researchers is often seen as a poor choice compared with using qualitative assessments. In this Perspective, the authors argue in favor of using rigorous, field-adjusted, centralized, quantitative metrics in a bid to help improve research practices as a low-cost public good.

Source: PLoS Biology: Archived Table of Contents - December 4, 2023 Category: Biology Authors: John P. A. Ioannidis Source Type: research