2023 VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Why do we need causal inference in scientometric research?
AUTHOR
Jiang Li, Xin Liu, Chunli Wei
ABSTRACT
This paper reviewed the fruitful achievements in the science of science, sociology of science and economics of science, and their benefits to scientometric research. Then, the causal inference was introduced, which has the potential to shape scientometric research by determining the cause and effect among variables. In the end, we proposed two detailed reasons why we need causal inference in scientometric research: (1) correlation-based scientometric research is not sufficient to support science & technology policy; (2) Scientometrics needs to go beyond metrics by explaining the mechanisms in science.
KEYWORDS
Causal Inference; Scientometrics; Science of science; Economics of science; Sociology of science