Impact Factor Formula:
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The Clinical Impact Factor measures journal influence by calculating the ratio of citations received to articles published during a specific period. It is a key metric for assessing the relative importance and reach of scientific publications in clinical research.
The calculator uses the Impact Factor formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the average number of citations per published article, providing a standardized measure of journal influence and academic impact.
Details: Impact Factor is crucial for evaluating journal quality, guiding publication decisions, assessing research impact, and informing library subscription choices. It helps researchers identify high-impact journals for their work.
Tips: Enter the total number of citations received during the period and the total number of publications in the same period. Both values must be valid (citations ≥ 0, publications > 0).
Q1: What time period is typically used for Impact Factor calculation?
A: Most commonly, a 2-year period is used, though some fields may use longer periods for more comprehensive assessment.
Q2: What is considered a good Impact Factor?
A: Impact Factor values vary by field. Generally, >10 is excellent, 5-10 is very good, 3-5 is good, and <3 is average, but field-specific benchmarks should be considered.
Q3: Are there limitations to the Impact Factor?
A: Yes, it can be influenced by review articles (which get more citations), field size, and publication frequency. It should be used alongside other metrics.
Q4: How often is Impact Factor updated?
A: Typically annually, with new calculations released each year based on the previous 2-year citation window.
Q5: Can Impact Factor be calculated for individual researchers?
A: While primarily for journals, similar calculations can be done for individual researchers using their h-index or citation counts per publication.