Studying Bibliometrics-Based Heuristics (BBHs): A New Research Program on the use of Bibliometrics in Research Evaluation

How do decision makers in science use bibliometric indicators and how do they rely on the indicators? Could bibliometric indicators replace the decision makers’ judgments (partly or completely)? Bornmann and Marewski (2019) suggest that these and similar questions can be empirically answered by studying the evaluative use of bibliometrics within the heuristics research program conceptualized by Gigerenzer, Todd, and ABC Research Group (1999). This program can serve as a framework so that the evaluative usage can be conceptually understood, empirically studied, and effectively taught. In this short communication, main lines suggested by Bornmann and Marewski (2019) are summarized in a brief overview.