  The use of bibliometric indicators in research evaluation has a series of
complex impacts on academic inquiry. These systems have gradually spread into a
wide range of locations and disciplines, including the humanities. The aim of
the present study is to examine their effects as perceived by philosophy
researchers in Spain, a country where bibliometric indicators have long been
used to evaluate research. The study combines data from a self-administered
questionnaire completed by 201 researchers and from 14 in-depth interviews with
researchers selected according to their affiliation, professional category,
gender and area of knowledge. Results show that the evaluation system is widely
perceived to affect research behaviour in significant ways, particularly
related to publication practices (document type and publication language), the
transformation of research agendas and the neglect of teaching work, as well as
increasing research misconduct and negatively affecting mental health. Although
to a lesser extent, other consequences included increased research productivity
and enhanced transparency and impartiality in academic selection processes.
