title: [What are relative scales and how can they be used in evaluation of Croatian science?].
abstract: The most appropriate way of evaluating the quality of scientific research is peer review by competent and objective colleagues. An objective review, however, is practically impossible within a small scientific community like the Croatian one, and the only solution in this case is internationalization of the process. In order to upgrade the objectivity of the evaluation, bibliometric/scientiometric indicators can be used, provided they are interpreted by experts in the field. The author believes that relative scales based on these indicators are of particular relevance for such small scientific communities. They enable determination of relative positions of a scientist, or a group of scientists, within a given scientific discipline, and for a given indicator, both at the international and/or national level. Such relative positions can often serve better for more objective evaluation than absolute values of the same indicators. An example of relative scales and their use is presented.
authors.forename: Vlatko
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Silobrcić
mesh_terms: D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000592:standards*; D017523:Croatia; D015895:Relative Value Scales; D012108:Research Personnel