Interdisciplinary Theoretical Model for Research Evaluation in the Social Sciences Based on the Categories of Subject, Society and Culture
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This article develops a conceptual interdisciplinary model for research evaluation in the Social Sciences based on three core categories: Subject, Society, and Culture. It argues that conventional evaluation systems rely too heavily on quantitative metrics and, as a result, fail to capture the contextual, social, and epistemic complexity of knowledge production in this field. Drawing on an interdisciplinary analysis informed by complex thought and postcolonial theory, the article proposes a framework in which Subject refers to situated reflexivity and the role of relevant actors, Society emphasizes social relevance and public embeddedness, and Culture highlights epistemic plurality, local knowledge, and contextual legitimacy. The model is represented as a dynamic spiral, which underscores the revisable and context-sensitive character of evaluation. As a theoretical-conceptual contribution, the framework offers an alternative basis for broadening research assessment in the Social Sciences beyond productivity-driven and citation-based approaches.
Source: Social Sciences
Institution: Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana
Language: English
Subfield: Statistics, Probability and Uncertainty
Field: Decision Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,172
OpenAlex ID: W7162039489