THE USE OF MULTIPLE INDICATORS IN THE ASSESSMENT OF BASIC RESEARCH

This paper argues that evaluations of basic research are best carried out using a range of indicators. After setting out the reasons why ass essments of government-funded basic research are increasingly needed, we examine the multi-dimensional nature of basic research. This is fol lowed by a conceptual analysis of what the different indicators of bas ic research actually measure. Having discussed the limitations of vari ous indicators, we describe the method of converging partial indicator s used in several SPRU evaluations. Yet although most of those who now use science indicators would agree that a combination of indicators i s desirable, analysis of a sample of Scientometrics articles suggests that in practice many continue to use just one or two indicators. The paper also reports the results of a survey of academic researchers. Th ey, too, are strongly in favour of research evaluations being based on multiple indicators combined with peer review. The paper ends with a discussion as to why multiple indicators are not used more frequently.