When assessing the impact and success of a scientific publication, international databases use several unique metrics. One of them is CiteScore, which is calculated for Scopus-indexed publications. Earlier, we analyzed in detail another metric within this database – SNIP (Source Normalised Impact per Paper). Let's consider the features of the calculation and application of CiteScore in more detail.
CiteScore acts as an indicator of the citation level of peer-reviewed materials, which is calculated as the ratio of the average number of citations to the number of published documents. Therewith, the publication window is equal to four years. According to research on the level of citation and popularity of scientific materials, the time interval of 3-4 years is universal for assessing the influence of the publication.
Notably, when calculating the CiteScore indicator, not all types of works are considered, but only five types of peer-reviewed materials: research articles, review articles, conference materials, informational articles and book chapters. They are the most cited within the Scopus scientometric database. Until 2020, other types of materials were used in calculating metrics, e.g., editorial notes, but they underestimate CiteScore results piece by piece.
Materials marked Article in Press are not considered in CiteScore to comply with the condition of consistency and avoid errors in calculations.
Non-compliance with the normative indicators of CiteScore metrics may affect the termination of indexing of the journal in the scientometric database Scopus due to "Metrics". In particular, if the publication has a much lower CiteScore index compared to others in its subject area.
CiteScore Tracker: Application features
CiteScore Tracker's calculation methodology is similar to CiteScore, but its results are updated monthly, not annually. Such promptness in calculations helps track the dynamics of changes in scientometric indicators of journals.
But why are other metrics within the scientometric database Scopus not calculated monthly? Why is there no SNIP Tracker or SJR Tracker? The main reason is that it is customary to calculate metrics once a year to record changes in the journal indicators. CiteScore Tracker is rather an exception to this rule.
In addition, the efficiency of CiteScore Tracker calculations is affected by the fact that CiteScore is a metric that is developed exclusively by Elsevier. In contrast, SNIP is calculated in partnership with CWTS, and SJR is calculated with Scimago Research Group. To coordinate the work and send data to partners, a certain amount of time is required, a period of one month is not enough for the implementation of such work. Therefore, SNIP and SJR indicators are updated only once a year.
Additional CiteScore metrics
Other metrics that are derived from CiteScore are also used within the Scopus database:
• CiteScore Percentage is a relative indicator of the credibility of the journal in a certain subject area. An indicator of 98% means that the publication is included in the the top 2%.
• CiteScore Quartile – this indicator is derived from CiteScore Percentile, in determining the influence of the journal in the subject category.
• CiteScore Rank and Rank Out Of – an absolute indicator of the journal's credibility in a certain area, e.g., the journal ranks 10th among 63 journals in one of the categories.
• Citations – the number of citations (CiteScore numerator).
• Documents – number of documents (CiteScore denominator).
The CiteScore indicator and metrics derived from it are located on the "Source Data" tab of the Scopus scientometric database.
If you need to publish and index your research in the publications of the international scientometric databases of Scopus or Web of Science, we will be happy to assist you. Our specialists are highly qualified and provide full support for scientific research – from auditing to indexing. In addition, we pay special attention to the selection of the journal for publication and its scientometric indicators, including CiteScore. For more information, please contact us using the form on the website or any other way convenient for you.
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