Citation Index
nounPronunciation: /ˈsaɪtɪʃən ˈɪndɛks/
A database that tracks how frequently published papers are cited by other researchers, used to measure research impact and influence. Common examples include the Science Citation Index and Google Scholar.
Plain English
A system that counts how often a research paper is referenced by other papers.
Etymology & History
Usage
"The journal's h-index was calculated using data from the Science Citation Index."
Style guide notes: Specify which citation index used when citing metrics to ensure transparency and reproducibility.
Also known as
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are citation indices important for researchers?
They measure research impact, influence scholarly reputation, support promotion decisions, and help identify influential papers in research fields.
Are all citation indices equally reliable?
Different indices have varying coverage and criteria; Web of Science and Scopus are widely trusted, while Google Scholar offers broader but less curated coverage.
Why Test Candidates on This?
Essential for understanding how research impact is measured and evaluated in academic publishing systems.
Required skill level: Mid