Statisticians and historians should help improve metrics

摘要

To develop and apply adequate metrics (Nature 464,488-489; 2010), a proper understanding of the methodology of measuring and of the phenomenon to be measured is essential.rnKey contributors to the analysis of scientific metrics may therefore be statisticians and historians ofrnscience. Both groups urge caution in applying science metrics (see, for example, B. Lightman et al. Isis 100,1-3; 2009).rnWhen substantiating claims about the prominence of researchers, science historians draw on publication numbers, citation numbers, invitations, editorial duties, awards, promotions, grant funding, membership of academies, honorary titles, institutional affiliations and links to other prominent scientists. But they rarely use these measures alone: rather they are used as indicators to supplement and vindicate thorough analysis (H. Kragh An Introduction to the Historiography of Science Cambridge Univ. Press, 1987).