Weak benchmarking indicators for formative and semi-evaluative assessment of research

Scientometric indicators are traditionally split into two types: evaluative and relational. The purpose of the former is to evaluate research-related activities whereas the latter are used to describe or explore research relationships. In practice, however, there are many indicators that are of an assessing nature but do not satisfy the reliability or validity criteria required for use in an evaluative role. The phrase ‘weak bench-marking’ is introduced for this kind, applicable to indicators for which yardstick values can be calculated. Applications include flagging potential causes for concern when benchmark figures are not met and identifying areas of apparent good practice. This can be either in the context of a monitoring role, to assess whether remedial action is needed, or in the context of providing partial evidence as part of a larger formal evaluation. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.