Simple arithmetic versus intuitive understanding: The case of the impact factor
arXiv:1102.2567
Abstract
We show that as a consequence of basic properties of elementary arithmetic journal impact factors show a counterintuitive behaviour with respect to adding non-cited articles. Synchronous as well as diachronous journal impact factors are affected. Our findings provide a rationale for not taking uncitable publications into account in impact factor calculations, at least if these items are truly uncitable.
ISSI Newsletter 7(1) (2011) 10-14