29 January 2009
The journal impact factor: how to interpret its true value and importance
Andrzej GrzybowskiMed Sci Monit 2009; 15(2): SR1-4 :: ID: 869534
Abstract
In 1955, Garfield suggested that the number of references could be used to measure the "impact" of a journal, but the term "impact factor" was introduced in 1963 by Garfield and Sher. The primary goal of impact factor analysis was to improve the management of library journal collections. Single-parameter measurements of the quality of a journal article have become increasingly popular as a substitute for scientific quality. The simplicity of its counting system and convenience of its use are significant benefits. Probably for these reasons, funding bodies, academic authorities, and some governments began using the impact factor to guide decisions about allocating grants, awarding appointments and academic degrees, and defining scientific policy. The journal impact factor, which is often recognized as a symbol of scientific prestige and relevance, can be, however, greatly influenced by the type of medical article (review vs original work), clinical specialty, and research. The true value and implications of the journal impact factor (JIF) are important to understand. It is critical to remember that JIF can be used only to evaluate journals. All comparisons should include only journals and never individuals or departments. Only similar journals (particularly those dedicated to the same scientific specialty) must be compared, because the value of the impact factor varies greatly by discipline.
Keywords: Publishing - standards, Peer Review, Research - standards, journal impact factor
880 29
Editorial
01 September 2023 : Editorial
Editorial: A Rapid Global Increase in COVID-19 is Due to the Emergence of the EG.5 (Eris) Subvariant of Omicron SARS-CoV-2DOI: 10.12659/MSM.942244
Med Sci Monit 2023; 29:e942244
In Press
22 Sep 2023 : Clinical Research
Symptomatology of RSV, COVID-19, and Influenza Infections in Hospitalized ChildrenMed Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.941229
21 Sep 2023 : Clinical Research
The Impact of Implementing the Vortex Approach on Airway Management Performance in Stressed Medical Student...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.940372
20 Sep 2023 : Clinical Research
A Retrospective Study to Compare Pharyngeal Anatomical Changes Measured Before and After Treatment for Malo...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.941749
20 Sep 2023 : Database Analysis
Comparative Finite Element Analysis of Endocrowns and Traditional Restorations for Endodontically Treated M...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.941314
Most Viewed Current Articles
13 Nov 2021 : Clinical Research
Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccination and Its Associated Factors Among Cancer Patients Attending the Oncology ...DOI :10.12659/MSM.932788
Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e932788
30 Dec 2021 : Clinical Research
Retrospective Study of Outcomes and Hospitalization Rates of Patients in Italy with a Confirmed Diagnosis o...DOI :10.12659/MSM.935379
Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e935379
08 Mar 2022 : Review article
A Review of the Potential Roles of Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Pharmacological Approaches for the Man...DOI :10.12659/MSM.936292
Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e936292
01 Jan 2022 : Editorial
Editorial: Current Status of Oral Antiviral Drug Treatments for SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Non-Hospitalized Pa...DOI :10.12659/MSM.935952
Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e935952