The Credibility Crisis in Academia: How Metrics Are Killing Research Quality
Academia is facing a credibility crisis, with a record number of retracted papers and the rise of AI-generated content. The article argues that the over-reliance on metrics like publication counts and impact factors has led to 'indicatorism' – a focus on manipulating metrics rather than pursuing genuine research quality. This has resulted in unethical practices like citation cartels and fabricated data. While metrics have their uses, the author advocates for a more nuanced approach, incorporating qualitative assessments alongside quantitative data to gain a more holistic understanding of research quality and credibility. The current system, he warns, risks sacrificing long-term scientific progress for short-term performance gains.