Scopus and Web of Science are the two global scientometric databases that carry the most weight in the scientific space. The choice of one of the scientific platforms depends on several factors, including publication goals, the requirements of an educational institution or organization, and the specifics of the scientific field. In this article we will analyze the main modern dilemma of scientists - what is better to choose: Scopus or Web of Science?
Regulatory requirements for scientists from Uzbekistan
In recent years, Uzbekistan has adopted various measures to support and develop scientific activity, including publication requirements for professional development and career advancement. For obtaining scientific degrees, publications are required in the number of publications approved by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan. These requirements cover not only the number of scientific publications, but also scientometric parameters of journals. Bonuses and salary increases are fixed at the legislative level and depend on the quartile of the journal in which the articles are published.
Both scientific metrics systems, Scopus and Web of Science, are recognized at the legislative level in Uzbekistan equally as authoritative platforms for placing research. When selecting a journal for publication, one should be guided by official documents and requirements set by specific educational institutions orscientific organizations.
The main criteria to be paid attention to when selecting a scientometric database for publication:
1. Discipline. Select a scientometric database to place an article in, first of all, based on the subject of the research. Web of Science database is more focused on natural and exact sciences - physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, mathematics, geography and other disciplines. Scopus keeps its focus on social sciences and humanities.
2. The volume of scientific content. The science metrics database Scopus is larger in terms of the volume of scientific content covered compared to Web of Science. Let's compare the two scientific platforms in numbers:
Scopus:
- Indexes more than 24,000 peer-reviewed journals
- more than 94 million publications
- More than 24 billion citations
Web of Science:
- includes more than 21,000 unique international journals
- more than 74 million publications
- more than 1.5 billion citations.
3. Influence metrics. The scientific metrics in Scopus and Web of Science are different. The Scopus platform has the following metrics for assessing the impact of indexed publications: CiteScore, SJR, SNIP. Web of Science - JCR, Impact Factor. At the same time, there are "common indicators" for two scientometric databases - Quartile, Percentile.
4. Depth of citations. Web of Science has a greater depth of scientific citations (dating back to 1900), while Scopus focuses on contemporary sources.
5. Article indexing.Publications are indexed faster in Scopus because this database covers a wider range of journals, including a larger number of new publications. Scopus' procedures for vetting scientific materials are generally less stringent than Web of Science, allowing articles to appear in the database more quickly.
Which scientometric database is better – Scopus or Web of Science?
It is impossible to state unequivocally that one database is better than another. The platforms complement each other rather than compete. When choosing a scientometric service, we recommend to be guided by the following criteria: purpose of publication, requirements of the institution for obtaining an academic position or degrees. Also, when choosing a database, it is important to consider in which journals your work will be most visible to your target audience and which databases better meet your needs in terms of citation and indexing.
The experts at Scientific Publications solve the dilemma of choosing a scientific journal and a scientometric database. We provide publishing services in both the databases. To get more details regarding our services, fill in your contact details in the box below. A personalized manager will contact you within a working day.
