What are Altmetrics?
Altmetrics, short for "alternative metrics," refer to non-traditional metrics proposed as complementary to the traditional citation-based metrics. They measure the impact and engagement of scholarly work through various online interactions and platforms. Unlike traditional metrics that focus only on citations in academic journals, altmetrics include data from social media, news outlets, policy documents, blogs, and other digital platforms.
Why Are Altmetrics Important in Epidemiology?
Epidemiology, the study of how diseases affect populations, often requires rapid dissemination of research findings to inform public health decisions. Altmetrics provide a real-time, multifaceted view of how research is being discussed and utilized across different sectors, including public health officials, policymakers, and the general public. This can be crucial for timely responses to public health crises.
How Do Altmetrics Complement Traditional Metrics?
Traditional metrics like
h-index and impact factor primarily focus on how frequently a research paper is cited in other academic works. While these are valuable for gauging academic impact, they do not capture the broader societal impact. Altmetrics fill this gap by tracking mentions in social media, news articles, and policy documents, providing a more comprehensive view of how research contributes to society.
What Are the Key Altmetric Indicators?
Key indicators of altmetrics include social media mentions (Twitter, Facebook), news media coverage, policy document citations, blog mentions, and online reference managers like Mendeley. These indicators offer insights into the immediate reach and influence of epidemiological research beyond the academic community.
How Can Altmetrics Be Used in Epidemiology Research?
Researchers and institutions can use altmetrics to measure the real-time impact of their work. For example, during an
epidemic like COVID-19, altmetrics can track how research findings are being disseminated and discussed across various platforms, aiding in the quick adaptation of public health strategies. Altmetrics can also help identify key influencers and stakeholders who are pivotal in spreading and implementing new research findings.
What Are the Limitations of Altmetrics?
While altmetrics offer valuable insights, they also have limitations. The metrics can be skewed by popular topics or sensationalized research, potentially overestimating the importance of certain studies. There is also the risk of "gaming" the system, where researchers might artificially inflate metrics. Moreover, altmetrics do not necessarily correlate with the scientific quality or rigor of the research.
How Do Altmetrics Impact Funding and Career Advancement?
Funding agencies and academic institutions are increasingly considering altmetrics in their evaluation processes. High altmetric scores can indicate a broader impact, which is often a key criterion for funding. For researchers, strong altmetric performance can enhance visibility and reputation, potentially leading to more collaboration opportunities and career advancements.
What Tools Are Available for Tracking Altmetrics?
Several tools and platforms are available for tracking altmetrics, including
Altmetric, PlumX Metrics, and Impactstory. These tools aggregate data from various sources to provide a comprehensive view of the online attention a research article is receiving. Researchers can use these tools to monitor and analyze the impact of their work in real-time.
Conclusion
Altmetrics offer a valuable complement to traditional citation-based metrics, providing a more holistic view of the impact of epidemiological research. By capturing real-time data from a variety of online sources, altmetrics enable researchers, institutions, and policymakers to assess the broader societal impact of their work. Despite some limitations, the growing importance of altmetrics in the realm of
public health and epidemiology cannot be understated.
