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Metrics and epistemic injustice
Author(s)
Date Issued
2022-05-10
Date Available
2022-07-11T11:33:15Z
Abstract
Purpose: This paper examines the socio-political affordances of metrics in research evaluation and the consequences of epistemic injustice in research practices and recorded knowledge. Design/methodology/approach: First, the use of metrics is examined as a mechanism that promotes competition and social acceleration. Second, it is argued that the use of metrics in a competitive research culture reproduces systemic inequalities and leads to epistemic injustice. The conceptual analysis draws on works of Hartmut Rosa and Miranda Fricker, amongst others. Findings: The use of metrics is largely driven by competition such as university rankings and league tables. Not only that metrics are not designed to enrich academic and research culture, they also suppress the visibility and credibility of works by minorities. As such, metrics perpetuate epistemic injustice in knowledge practices; at the same time, the reliability of metrics for bibliometric and scientometric studies is put into question. Social implications: As metrics leverage who can speak and who will be heard, epistemic injustice is reflected in recorded knowledge and what we consider to be information. Originality/value: This paper contributes to the discussion of metrics beyond bibliometric studies and research evaluation. It argues that metrics-induced competition is antithetical to equality and diversity in research practices.
Type of Material
Journal Article
Publisher
Emerald
Journal
Journal of Documentation
Volume
78
Issue
7
Start Page
392
End Page
404
Copyright (Published Version)
2022 The Author
Language
English
Status of Item
Peer reviewed
ISSN
0022-0418
This item is made available under a Creative Commons License
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