For a critique of the h-index in the area of nursing, in the light of thomas kuhn

Abstract

Objective: To discuss the use of the H-index as an indicator for the evaluation of the Nursing area researcher in the light of Thomas Kuhn’s disciplinary matrix. Method: This is a reflective study, conducted between March and April 2018, which identifies the elements that underlie the H-index and criticizes it as an indicator for the evaluation of the researcher in the nursing scientific community. Results: The Nursing area is in the normal science phase and has a disciplinary matrix. It consists of theories, research methods and experiments; establishes procedures; indicates the problems to be studied and determines the scientific agenda; provides modular solutions for the scientific community; it has epistemic values that legitimize and justify the research practice. The values are of a quantitative and qualitative nature, namely: Accuracy, consistency, range, simplicity, objectivity, originality and fruitfulness. The H-index cannot display the qualitative values of science. Conclusion: The quantitative and qualitative epistemic values form an amalgam, making it impossible to separate them, for it is in axiological complementarity that science is founded. From its evaluative approach with the so-called mature sciences, it is inferred that the Nursing area should consider these values for itself. The H-index is limited for the evaluation of the researcher. Care should be taken to harbor it, so as not to hinder the insertion of new candidates to be researchers into the postgraduate teaching staff, thus preventing generational sharing among peers, given that the index does not can measure the category made up by young researchers.