Simple arithmetic versus intuitive understanding: The case of the impact factor

preprint2015arXivOpen access

Abstract

We show that as a consequence of basic properties of elementary arithmetic journal impact factors show a counterintuitive behaviour with respect to adding non-cited articles. Synchronous as well as diachronous journal impact factors are affected. Our findings provide a rationale for not taking uncitable publications into account in impact factor calculations, at least if these items are truly uncitable.

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