Do citations indicate rigour and originality?

Determine whether, and to what extent, citation counts serve as indicators of the rigour and originality dimensions of research quality across disciplines, beyond their established association with significance.

Background

Within a common tripartite conception of research quality—rigour, originality, and significance—citations are argued to align most with significance. The extent to which they also reflect rigour and originality is debated and may vary by field.

Empirically establishing the relationship between citations and these dimensions would guide responsible use of citation indicators in evaluation.