Apples and oranges? Spunti per una discussione sulla valutazione della ricerca nelle scienze umane e sociali

In this paper we consider the usefulness of bibliometric indicators for the evaluation of human and social sciences, with a special focus on the Italian exercise on evaluation. We analyze the configuration of human and social sciences as a whole, and we consider the disciplinary peculiarities of the HSS. We think that, while bibliometric analysis is theoretically appropriate for the HSS, the use of such indicators for many "soft" research fields often generates outcomes that are not statistically relevant. Moreover, the cons (distortions, abuses, and so on) originated by the use of bibliometric indicators appear as more relevant than the pros, especially considering the limited funding needed for the HSS fields. A possible solution lies in the use of a more complex mix of indicators.