One of the main criteria for choosing a journal for publication is its scientometric indicators. In the Scopus database, three large groups of data can be distinguished: CiteScore, SNIP, and SJR. Each of them is distinguished by a set of metrics and a unique calculation method. The most popular are quartile and percentile – CiteScore derivatives. Let us take a closer look at the CiteScore group of metrics and answer the questions: what is a quartile, where to look up the journal’s quartile, how to find out the journal’s percentile?
СiteScore in the Scopus database
SiteScore and other metrics are located on the Source details tab of the Scopus database. There is information about:
- СiteScore – citation index, which is calculated as the ratio of the number of citations to the number of documents for 4 years. An essential point is that only peer-reviewed materials are considered. Such an amendment was considered in 2020, since unreviewed materials artificially underestimated the journal’s performance. СiteScore in the Scopus database is calculated by Elsevier specialists, without the help of other research centres. СiteScore is the main indicator in the group of metrics, others mentioned below are derived from it.
- CiteScore Tracker – an indicator that is calculated according to the same method as the previous one, but is updated not yearly, monthly. CiteScore Tracker is the most operational metric within the database and allows you to track journal performance over time.
- CiteScore Percentile – percentage of the credibility of publications. A 99% percentile means that the journal is in the top 1% in its subject area. You can find out the journal’s percentile on the source details tab, in the “CiteScore” and “CiteScore rank & trend” sections.
- CiteScore Rank и Rank Out Of – an absolute indicator of publications in a particular subject area. For example, the journal ranks 1 out of 360 in the Oncology category.
- Citations – sum of citations.
- Documents – sum of documents that are cited.
Apart from the above CiteScore metrics, there is another one – CiteScore Quartile (quartile), the search for which in Scopus can cause some difficulties.
What is a quartile?
A journal’s quartile is a metric that shows the credibility of a publication in a particular area, it is related to the CiteScore Percentile, but differs from it in the nature of the ranking of materials. There are 4 journal quartiles (Q), where Q1 is the highest and Q4 is the lowest.
How to find the quartile of a journal (CiteScore Quartile)?
- To find out the quartile of a journal or check it, you need to go to the Sources tab in Scopus.
- Subsequently, filter the journals according to the required indicators (subject area, title, type, type of access, etc.). Information about the quartile indicators will be placed among the filters: 1st quartile, 2nd quartile, 3rd quartile, 4th quartile.
Notably, sometimes regulatory documents specify the requirements for publication in a journal with a certain quartile not according to CiteScore, but according to Scimago Journal Rank (SJR). This is because earlier this metric in Scopus was calculated by SJR, and not by CiteScore. Currently, the SJR quartile has been moved to a separate resource: Scimago Journal & Country Rank.
Where to see the journal’s quartile (SJR)?
- For this, go to the Scimago Journal & Country Rank page.
- Enter data about a journal.
- Select the journal you are interested in and learn about the quartile indicators in the Quartiles section.
Journal quartile and percentile: why is it so important?
Journal quartile and percentile indicators are among the most popular because they are convenient and representative in assessing the rating of scientific publications. The requirements for these metrics are most often indicated in regulatory documents for the implementation of certain scientific goals. That is why it is so important to be aware of their specific features.
What is the journal’s quartile? How to calculate percentile? Why might the scores differ?
Moreover, it is worth considering that sometimes one journal may have different quartile and percentile indicators. This is often because:
- The same journal belongs to different subject categories. Indicators are calculated for each of them.
- The journal is indexed in several databases.
- The indicator is calculated based on separate groups of metrics, such as CiteScore and SJR.
Therefore, before planning publication, it is necessary to determine in the journal with what indicators the paper should be published. Most often, information about this is placed in regulatory requirements. If you need to choose a journal, publishing in which guarantees the realisation of a particular scientific goal, contact the Scientific Publications company. Our specialists have extensive experience in implementing publication tasks of any complexity. We pay special attention to the selection of a journal for publication, our company takes care of the process of communication with the editors and publishing houses and conducts in-depth analytics on the choice of the best journal among over 200 journals.
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