• DOI:10.1177/1049731510369141
• Corpus ID: 144143320

Evaluating Journal Quality: Is the H-Index a Better Measure Than Impact Factors?

@article{Hodge2011EvaluatingJQ,
  title={Evaluating Journal Quality: Is the H-Index a Better Measure Than Impact Factors?},
  author={David R. Hodge and Jeffrey Lacasse},
  journal={Research on Social Work Practice},
  year={2011},
  volume={21},
  pages={222 - 230}
}

• D. Hodge, J. Lacasse
• Published 1 March 2011
• Medicine
• Research on Social Work Practice

Objectives: This study evaluates the utility of a new measure—the h-index—that may provide a more valid approach to evaluating journal quality in the social work profession. Method: H-index values are compared with Thomson ISI 5-year impact factors and expert opinion. Results: As hypothesized, the h-index correlates highly with ISI 5-year impact factors; but exhibits closer agreement with expert opinion, particularly with high familiarity disciplinary journals. Conclusions: This evidence of convergent and discriminatory validity suggests that the h-index may have some utility in assessing social work journals. Notable advantages of the h-index include its compatibility with the profession’s applied research culture and its ability to be used with essentially all journals in which social workers publish.