Ecology

Toolbox

Biology

Statistics

Originality

Computer science

Qualitative research

Type (biology)

Operations research

Mathematics

Index (typography)

Value (mathematics)

Sociology

Programming language

Social science

Journal of Data and Information Science

Purpose To show for which publication-citation arrays h-type indices are equal and to reconsider rational h-type indices. Results for these research questions fill some gaps in existing basic knowledge about h-type indices. Design/methodology/approach The results and introduction of new indicators are based on well-known definitions. Findings The research purpose has been reached: answers to the first questions are obtained and new indicators are defined. Research limitations h-type indices do not meet the Bouyssou-Marchant independence requirement. Practical implications On the one hand, more insight has been obtained for well-known indices such as the h- and the g-index and on the other hand, simple extensions of existing indicators have been added to the bibliometric toolbox. Relative rational h-type indices are more useful for individuals than the existing absolute ones. Originality/value Answers to basic questions such as “when are the values of two h-type indices equal” are provided. A new rational h-index is introduced.

Equalities between h-type Indices and Definitions of Rational h-type Indicators