The impact factor as a legitimator of the scientific knowledge produced: a review of the literature

Abstract

The impact factor (IF) is perceived by all researchers and scientists as the main criterion in their publication strategies, in order to respond to the demands of the academic reward system that defines career progression and the allocation of funds for research. Through a review of published literature we aim to explore different limits and ranges associated with impact factor, according to academia. We also try to understand in which way the state of the art is evolving, as well as the features that point to ambiguous criteria inherent to the construct on which impact factor was established as the legitimising criteria of scientific knowledge production.