Towards greater context for altmetrics

Abstract

This paper argues for the need for scientometricians to borrow from qualitative analytical approaches to improve the field of altmetrics research. Existing approaches to contextualizing metrics using quantitative means, by researchers and altmetrics data providers alike, are discussed and critiqued. I propose the need for research based in ways of thinking from the humanities and social sciences to understand human motivations for sharing research online to truly understand what altmetrics mean and how they should be interpreted. I explore several ways that the research community and data providers alike can help those who use altmetrics in evaluation move from “data” to “wisdom”.