Métricas para medir la calidad y el impacto de las publicaciones científicas

Abstract

The guide presents the main metrics and bibliometric indicators used to evaluate the quality, productivity, and impact of scientific publications, authors, journals, and institutions. It explains that metrics are quantitative measures that enable performance analysis and support decision-making, while indicators represent values that describe the state or behavior of a process. In the academic context, bibliometric indicators are based on data such as number of publications, citations, collaboration among authors, and research visibility.

Among the most relevant indicators, the Impact Factor is described as a measure of a journal’s influence based on citations received within a given period, and quartiles, which classify journals within their subject area. The guide also addresses citations per document, reflecting the average impact of an author’s works, and the collaboration index, which measures joint research activity. The h-index evaluates both productivity and impact of an author simultaneously.

Additionally, internationally recognized metrics such as CiteScore, SNIP, and SJR are explained; these assess journal impact by considering citations, disciplinary context, and the prestige of citing sources. The guide emphasizes that no single metric alone determines scientific quality, and therefore metrics should be used in combination for a more comprehensive evaluation.