Relative indicators and relational charts for comparative assessment of publication output and citation impact

Abstract

Cross-field comparison of scientometric indicators1 is severely hindered by the differences in publication and citation habits of science fields. However, relating publication and citation indicators to proper field-specific reference standards, relative indicators can be built, which may prove rather useful in the comparative assessment of scientists, groups, institutions or countries. The use of relational charts in displaying the indicators broadens the scope of such assessments. Relative indicators of chemistry research in 25 countries are presented as an illustrative example. © 1986 Akadémiai Kiadó.