The concept of impact revisited: Translation Studies as a case study

What is it about?

This paper attempts to problematize the current concept of quality as used in research assessment exercises, with special reference to the link often established with impact and the way this impact is measured in the form of citation counting. Taking Translation Studies as a case study, we will offer a two-level approach revealing both the existing macro- and micro-level biases in this regard. We will first review three key aspects related to the idea of the quality of publications, namely, peer review, journal indexing and journal impact factor. We will then pinpoint some of the main macro-level problems regarding current practices and criteria as applied to Translation Studies, such as WoK’s journal coverage, citation patterns and publication format. Next we will provide a micro-textual and practical perspective, focusing on citation counts and suggesting a series of correction measures in order to increase comparability.

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Why is it important?

The paper questions the concept of academic impact as it is currenly applied in assessment exercices and offers several examples of its flaws.

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