JBJS | Understanding the Limitations of the Journal Impact Factor

The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery, Volume 85, Issue 12

Current Concepts Review | December 01, 2003

Understanding the Limitations of the Journal Impact Factor

Andrew P. Kurmis, PhD¹

¹ Orthopaedic Research Unit, Repatriation General Hospital, Daws Road, Daw Park, South Australia 5041, Australia. E-mail address: andrew.kurmis@flinders.edu.au

The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery. 2003; 85:2449-2454

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Abstract

The impact factor, a simple mathematical formula reflecting the number of citations of a journal's material divided by the number of citable materials published by that same journal, has evolved to become one of the most influential tools in modern research and academia.

The impact factor can be influenced and biased (intentionally or otherwise) by many factors.

Extension of the impact factor to the assessment of journal quality or individual authors is inappropriate.

Extension of the impact factor to cross-discipline journal comparison is also inappropriate.

Those who choose to use the impact factor as a comparative tool should be aware of the nature and premise of its derivation and also of its inherent flaws and practical limitations.

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Topics

mathematics ; appropriateness ; librarians ; languages ; healthcare quality assessment ; peer review ; social sciences ; procedure on joint ; polymethyl methacrylate

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These activities have been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Inc. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

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