Measuring Science: Performance Metrics and the Allocation of Talent
73 Pages Posted: 7 Jun 2023 Last revised: 26 Dec 2023
Date Written: July 09, 2024
Abstract
We study how performance metrics affect the allocation of talent by exploiting the introduction of the first citation database in science. For technical reasons, it only covered citations from certain journals and years, creating quasi-random variation: some citations became visible, while others remained invisible. We identify the effects of citation metrics by comparing the predictiveness of visible to invisible citations. Citation metrics increased assortative matching between scientists and departments by reducing information frictions over geographic and intellectual distance. Highly-cited scientists from lower-ranked departments (“hidden stars”) and from minorities benefited more. Citation metrics also affected promotions and NSF-grants, suggesting Matthew effects.
Keywords: Performance metrics, History of Science, Allocation of Talent
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