Being metric-wise: Heterogeneity in bibliometric knowledge

While general publication practices clearly differ between disciplines, knowledge about scientometric indicators can also greatly vary. The observed heterogeneity in bibliometric knowledge inspired us to define the concept of ‘metric-wiseness’ for researchers. Being metric-wise can lead to an advantage for knowledgeable researchers over uninformed colleagues, even when they are of otherwise equal competence. We identify two paths through which metric-wiseness can play a role and lead to behavioural changes in the research process. As a first path, metric-wiseness can be seen as an additional tool that is useful in reporting one’s research portfolio. A second one is more ambiguous and has some undesirable aspects, possibly diminishing intrinsic motivational factors for doing research. Innovation and innovative research slows down if crowding out happens due to an excessive attention to scientometric indicators. We propose an approach to actually measure metric-wiseness.status: publishe