The field of research metrics has long been dominated by quantitative measures that prioritize publication counts, citation rates, and impact factors. However, these traditional metrics often fail to capture the full value and impact of research, particularly in fields that prioritize social, cultural, and human-centered outcomes. In response to this limitation, the Humetrics research initiative at Michigan State University is pioneering a new approach to research metrics that prioritizes human-centered values and outcomes.
At its core, Humetrics seeks to redefine what it means to measure the impact and value of research. Rather than relying solely on quantitative metrics, Humetrics emphasizes the importance of qualitative and narrative approaches to understanding research impact. This involves developing new methods and tools for capturing and analyzing the complex, multifaceted ways in which research affects individuals, communities, and society as a whole.
One of the key drivers behind the Humetrics initiative is the recognition that traditional research metrics often perpetuate a narrow, instrumental view of research value. By prioritizing metrics such as citation counts and publication rates, these traditional approaches can overlook the many ways in which research contributes to social good, cultural enrichment, and human well-being. In contrast, Humetrics seeks to expand our understanding of research value by incorporating a broader range of metrics and narratives that capture the diverse impacts of research.
The Humetrics initiative represents a significant shift in how we think about research metrics. By prioritizing human-centered values and outcomes, we're able to capture a more nuanced understanding of research impact that goes beyond traditional quantitative measures.
- Dr. Bonnie Swafford, Director of Humetrics Research Initiative
To achieve this goal, the Humetrics team is developing a range of innovative methods and tools for capturing and analyzing research impact. These include:
- Narrative analysis: Humetrics researchers are developing new approaches to narrative analysis that allow them to capture the complex, qualitative ways in which research affects individuals and communities.
- Case study research: By conducting in-depth case studies of research projects and their impacts, Humetrics researchers are able to gain a richer understanding of the ways in which research contributes to social good and human well-being.
- Participatory research methods: Humetrics is also exploring the use of participatory research methods that involve stakeholders and community members in the research process, ensuring that research is responsive to the needs and concerns of those it affects.
These approaches are being applied across a range of research fields, from social sciences and humanities to STEM disciplines. By demonstrating the value and impact of human-centered research metrics, Humetrics aims to influence research policy and practice, promoting a more nuanced understanding of research value that prioritizes social, cultural, and human-centered outcomes.
Key Areas of Focus
The Humetrics initiative is focused on several key areas, including:
Developing New Metrics and Methods
Humetrics researchers are working to develop new metrics and methods that capture the complex, multifaceted ways in which research affects individuals, communities, and society as a whole. This involves exploring a range of qualitative and narrative approaches, from case study research to narrative analysis.
Promoting Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Humetrics is committed to promoting interdisciplinary collaboration across research fields, recognizing that many of the most pressing social and cultural challenges require collaborative, cross-disciplinary approaches.
Engaging Stakeholders and Community Members
By involving stakeholders and community members in the research process, Humetrics aims to ensure that research is responsive to the needs and concerns of those it affects.
Influencing Research Policy and Practice
Ultimately, the Humetrics initiative seeks to influence research policy and practice, promoting a more nuanced understanding of research value that prioritizes social, cultural, and human-centered outcomes.
Implementing Humetrics in Research Practice
- Identify research questions and objectives that prioritize human-centered values and outcomes.
- Develop a research design that incorporates qualitative and narrative approaches to capturing research impact.
- Engage stakeholders and community members in the research process to ensure responsiveness to their needs and concerns.
- Use Humetrics methods and tools to capture and analyze research impact, including narrative analysis and case study research.
- Communicate research findings and impact in a way that prioritizes human-centered values and outcomes.
Future Directions
As the Humetrics initiative continues to evolve, it’s likely to have a significant impact on the way we think about research metrics and impact. By prioritizing human-centered values and outcomes, Humetrics is helping to create a more nuanced understanding of research value that goes beyond traditional quantitative measures.
Some potential future directions for the Humetrics initiative include:
- Expanding the use of narrative analysis and case study research: Humetrics researchers are likely to continue developing and refining their approaches to narrative analysis and case study research, exploring new ways to capture the complex, qualitative ways in which research affects individuals and communities.
- Developing new tools and methods for capturing research impact: The Humetrics team is likely to continue developing new tools and methods for capturing research impact, including innovative approaches to data visualization and storytelling.
- Influencing research policy and practice: As the Humetrics initiative continues to gain momentum, it’s likely to have a significant impact on research policy and practice, promoting a more nuanced understanding of research value that prioritizes social, cultural, and human-centered outcomes.
What is Humetrics, and how does it differ from traditional research metrics?
+Humetrics is a research initiative that prioritizes human-centered values and outcomes in research metrics. Unlike traditional research metrics, which often rely solely on quantitative measures such as publication counts and citation rates, Humetrics emphasizes the importance of qualitative and narrative approaches to understanding research impact.
How does Humetrics capture research impact, and what methods does it use?
+Humetrics captures research impact through a range of qualitative and narrative approaches, including narrative analysis, case study research, and participatory research methods. These approaches allow researchers to gain a richer understanding of the complex, multifaceted ways in which research affects individuals, communities, and society as a whole.
What are the potential benefits of using Humetrics in research practice?
+The potential benefits of using Humetrics in research practice include a more nuanced understanding of research value that prioritizes social, cultural, and human-centered outcomes. By capturing the complex, qualitative ways in which research affects individuals and communities, Humetrics can help researchers and policymakers make more informed decisions about research funding and priorities.
As research continues to play an increasingly important role in shaping our understanding of the world and addressing its challenges, initiatives like Humetrics are crucial for ensuring that research is conducted in a way that prioritizes human-centered values and outcomes. By redefining what it means to measure research impact, Humetrics is helping to create a more nuanced understanding of research value that goes beyond traditional quantitative measures.
