# Altmetric Attention Score

> score of online attention and coverage of scholarly articles

**Wikidata**: [Q130219307](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q130219307)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/altmetric-attention-score

## Summary
The Altmetric Attention Score is a metric that quantifies online attention and coverage of scholarly articles, representing a key tool in the field of altmetrics. It measures the impact of research through alternative data sources, including social media, news outlets, and policy documents, rather than relying solely on traditional citation counts.

## Key Facts
- The Altmetric Attention Score is a specific metric within the broader discipline of altmetrics, which studies alternative ways to analyze and evaluate scholarly impact.
- It is part of the altmetrics field, which is a subclass of bibliometrics, scientometrics, webometrics, and cybermetrics.
- The score is used to assess the online attention and coverage of scholarly articles, including mentions in social media, news, and policy documents.
- The Altmetric Attention Score is one of several specific metrics in altmetrics, alongside tools like the PlumX Metric.
- The field of altmetrics is indexed in the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) under descriptor ID D000097783 and specific tree codes.
- The concept is tracked by the YSO system (ID 29513) and the Open Science Thesaurus (ID MSM5HV40-F).
- Wikipedia entries for altmetrics exist in at least 10 languages, including English, German, Spanish, Japanese, and Farsi.
- The Altmetric Attention Score is produced by Altmetric, a platform that aggregates and analyzes alternative metrics for scholarly works.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Altmetric Attention Score, and how does it differ from traditional citation metrics?
A: The Altmetric Attention Score measures online attention and coverage of scholarly articles through alternative data sources like social media, news, and policy documents, whereas traditional citation metrics rely solely on formal citations in academic publications.

### Q: What fields does altmetrics belong to, and how does it relate to bibliometrics?
A: Altmetrics is a subclass of bibliometrics, scientometrics, webometrics, and cybermetrics. While bibliometrics focuses on statistical analysis of written publications, altmetrics expands this by incorporating web-based and social media data to assess scholarly impact.

### Q: What other metrics are used alongside the Altmetric Attention Score in altmetrics?
A: Other key metrics in altmetrics include the PlumX Metric, which also quantifies scholarly impact through alternative data sources.

### Q: How is the field of altmetrics standardized and recognized in academic systems?
A: Altmetrics is indexed in the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) under descriptor ID D000097783 and specific tree codes. It is also tracked by the YSO system (ID 29513) and the Open Science Thesaurus (ID MSM5HV40-F).

### Q: In how many languages is altmetrics documented on Wikipedia?
A: Wikipedia entries for altmetrics exist in at least 10 languages, including English, German, Spanish, Japanese, and Farsi.

## Why It Matters
The Altmetric Attention Score is significant because it addresses the limitations of traditional citation analysis by incorporating real-time, web-based data to evaluate scholarly impact. Unlike traditional metrics, which rely on slow-accumulating citations in formal publications, the Altmetric Attention Score captures immediate online engagement, including mentions in social media, news outlets, and policy documents. This provides a more dynamic and comprehensive view of how research is consumed and discussed in the digital age. By integrating these alternative metrics, altmetrics bridges the gap between the static history of bibliometrics and the fast-evolving landscape of Open Science, ensuring that the impact of research is measured in real-time and across diverse platforms.

## Notable For
- Being a specific metric within the broader field of altmetrics, which focuses on alternative ways to measure scholarly impact.
- Measuring online attention and coverage of scholarly articles through data sources beyond traditional citations.
- Being part of a standardized academic discipline indexed in MeSH, YSO, and the Open Science Thesaurus.
- Having Wikipedia entries in multiple languages, reflecting its global relevance.
- Being produced by Altmetric, a platform that aggregates and analyzes alternative metrics for scholarly works.

## Body
### Academic Classification and Hierarchy
The Altmetric Attention Score is a specific metric within the academic discipline of altmetrics, which is formally classified as both an academic discipline and an academic major. Altmetrics sits at the intersection of several quantitative analysis fields, including:
- **Bibliometrics:** The statistical analysis of written publications, such as books or articles.
- **Scientometrics:** The study of measuring and analyzing science, technology, and innovation.
- **Webometrics:** The study of quantitative aspects of information resources, structures, and technologies on the Web.
- **Cybermetrics:** A related field associated with web-based quantitative analysis.

### Key Metrics and Entities
The study of altmetrics involves specific entities and tools designed to quantify scholarly impact in non-traditional ways:
- **Altmetric Attention Score:** A metric defined as a score of online attention and coverage of scholarly articles.
- **PlumX Metric:** Another recognized metric entity within the altmetrics category.

### Standards and Identifiers
The field of altmetrics is formally recognized in major academic and knowledge indexing systems:
- **MeSH (Medical Subject Headings):** Uses the Descriptor ID `D000097783` and is mapped to specific tree codes (`L01.462.500.682.099.325.250`, `L01.462.750.183.291.250`).
- **Open Science Thesaurus:** Lists the concept under the ID `MSM5HV40-F`.
- **General Systems:** Includes a YSO ID (`29513`) and an archived JSTOR topic ID (`altmetrics`).
- **Microsoft Academic:** Previously tracked under ID `2778407487` (service discontinued).

### Global Reach and Language Support
Wikipedia entries for altmetrics exist in at least 10 languages, including English, German, Spanish, Japanese, and Farsi, reflecting its global relevance and interdisciplinary appeal.

### Producer and Platform
The Altmetric Attention Score is produced by Altmetric, a platform that aggregates and analyzes alternative metrics for scholarly works, providing a more immediate and comprehensive picture of research impact.