How to judge the academic value and influence of a research field?

Judging a research field's academic value and influence involves assessing both its intellectual contribution and its impact on scholarly discourse and practice. This is feasible through the systematic application of quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods. Key principles include analyzing scholarly output (volume), citations (impact), publication venues (quality/prestige), and leading researchers' prominence (e.g., h-index). Qualitative aspects such as conceptual novelty, methodological rigor, paradigm-shifting potential, and fostering interdisciplinary links are essential. Necessary conditions encompass accessing reliable bibliometric databases (e.g., Scopus, Web of Science) and expert peer review. This evaluation applies broadly across disciplines but must account for differences in citation practices and publication cycles. Caution is needed against over-reliance on metrics alone; altmetrics (social/media mentions) and societal/practical influence offer complementary insights. Actual implementation involves sequential steps: first, gather quantitative data on publications, citations, and researcher metrics within the field. Second, evaluate publication quality via journal impact factors or conference rankings. Third, convene expert panels for qualitative assessment of significance, novelty, and perceived long-term impact. Fourth, analyze altmetrics and evidence of real-world application. Finally, synthesize these findings to form a balanced judgement of the field's overall scholarly value and influence, crucial for funding allocation and strategic research planning.