Journal impact factor: Mathematical and statistical properties

Abstract

Using a commonly agreed definition of the journal impact factor, its various applications in the mathematical modeling of scientific research were investigated. Special attention was paid to the impact factor’s properties related to the disciplinary structure of science, the limitations of source data in existing databases, statistical reliability, the relevance of document types, and the effect of outliers. The potential bias resulting from journal self-citation practices was discussed.

Keywords

• bibliometric indicators
• impact factor
• web of science
• journal citation reports
• journal self-citation