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ERIC Number: EJ1208317
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019-Jan
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0958-2029
EISSN: N/A
S&T Indicators in the Wild: Contextualization and Participation for Responsible Metrics
Ràfols, Ismael
Research Evaluation, v28 n1 p7-22 Jan 2019
The use of indicators in research policy and evaluation is widely perceived as problematic. Responding to demands for explicit normative framings in STI governance, I propose an agenda for transforming the place and role of indicators in policy. Given that expert advice should not separate knowledge formation from decision-making under conditions of uncertainty and lack of value consensus, I argue that current scientometrics is too focused on technical issues, too reductionist, and too isolated from the contexts and values of its use. Using Callon's analytical framework of 'secluded research' vs. 'research in the wild', I propose three moves for improving design and use of science, technology, and innovation (STI) indicators. First, to continue ongoing trends towards pluralizing the data sources, processing and visualization techniques, and expand the research communities involved in scientometrics. Second, to develop forms of quantitative evidence that can be contextualized with the participation of a more diverse set of stakeholders. Third, to open up the policy framings implicit in measurement, and use quantitative analyses to reveal more balanced perspectives of existing and alternative STI options. I conclude by arguing that these shifts are necessary to preserve epistemic diversity and pluralism in the face of ongoing managerial push for standardization via 'platforms' run by commercial oligopolies.
Oxford University Press. Great Clarendon Street, Oxford, OX2 6DP, UK. Tel: +44-1865-353907; Fax: +44-1865-353485; e-mail: jnls.cust.serv@oxfordjournals.org; Web site: http://applij.oxfordjournals.org/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A