Writing and Publishing Resources

What is Journal Ranking:

The system used to assess the quality and impact of academic journals is referred to as a journal quality ranking system or journal ranking system. Its primary objective is to offer a measure of the relative significance and prestige of journals within specific fields of research.

What are Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 Journals?

Q1 Journals (Quartile):

Definition: 

Journals placed in the first quartile (Q1) rank within the top 25% of journals within their subject category, as determined by citation metrics within a citation database such as Scopus or Web of Science.

Features:

• Demonstrating high impact and visibility in their respective fields.
• Publishing pioneering research with substantial contributions.
• Garnering a significant number of citations from fellow scholars.

Significance: 

Q1 journals are widely respected and frequently chosen for the publication of innovative research. They commonly receive ratings of 9 or 10 out of 10 for their significance.

Q2 Journals (Quartile):

Definition: 

Journals positioned in the second quartile (Q2) occupy the 26th to 50th percentile among journals in their subject category, as determined by citation metrics within databases such as Scopus or Web of Science.

Features:

• Exhibiting moderate impact and visibility in their respective fields.
• Publishing research that holds significance but may not reach the groundbreaking level of Q1 journals.
• Receiving a moderate number of citations from fellow scholars.

Significance: 

Q2 journals are valuable and can enhance a researcher's reputation, often achieving ratings of 6 or 7 out of 10 in terms of importance.

Q3 Journals (Quartile):

Definition: 

Journals positioned in the third quartile (Q3) occupy the 51st to 75th percentile among journals in their subject category, as determined by citation metrics within databases such as Scopus or Web of Science.

Features:

• Exhibiting diminished impact and visibility when contrasted with Q1 and Q2 journals.
• Publishing research that may cater to local or niche interests.
• Receiving fewer citations from fellow scholars.

Significance: 

Q3 journals could be appropriate for disseminating incremental or specialized research, usually achieving ratings of 3 or 4 out of 10 in terms of importance.

Q4 Journals (Quartile):

Definition: 

Journals positioned in the fourth quartile (Q4) belong to the lowest 25% of journals in their subject category, as determined by citation metrics within databases such as Scopus or Web of Science.

Features:

• Demonstrating the lowest impact and visibility within their respective fields.
• Publishing research that may possess limited significance or reach.
• Receiving minimal citations from fellow scholars.

Significance: 

Q4 journals provide a platform for publication but typically do not notably enhance a researcher's reputation, often receiving ratings of 1 or 2 out of 10 in terms of importance.

The SJR indicator serves as a metric for gauging the scholarly impact of academic journals, taking into consideration both the number of citations a journal receives and the prestige of the journals from which these citations originate. It represents the average number of weighted citations received by a journal per document published within the previous three years.

Journals are categorized into four quartiles: Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4. Q1 represents the top 25% of journals, Q2 includes those in the 25 to 50% range, Q3 encompasses journals in the 50 to 75% range, and Q4 comprises journals in the 75 to 100% range.

The SCImago Journal Rank (SJR) is a widely accepted standard for determining the quartile placement of a journal within its subject category.

Click here to access SCImago Journal Rank (SJR) database.