Impact Factor Consideration
nounPronunciation: /ˈɪmpækt ˈfæktər kənˌsɪdəˈreɪʃən/
The editorial practice of evaluating a manuscript's potential contribution to the journal's impact factor and research field influence. Editors weigh scientific merit alongside the likely citation impact when making publication decisions.
Plain English
How editors think about whether accepting a paper will help the journal's reputation and how often it will be cited.
Etymology & History
Usage
"The editor's impact factor consideration influenced her decision to prioritize highly novel studies for the special issue."
Style guide notes: Use lowercase 'impact factor' unless part of a formal metric title; hyphenate 'impact-factor-driven' when used as adjective.
Also known as
Contrasted with
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Should impact factor alone determine acceptance decisions?
No; scientific merit and methodological rigor must remain primary criteria alongside impact potential.
How do editors estimate a manuscript's impact potential?
Through peer reviewer feedback, novelty assessment, relevance to current research trends, and author track records.
Why Test Candidates on This?
Important for understanding editorial decision-making processes and journal strategy in academic publishing.
Required skill level: Mid