Via an overview of core journal studies, emphasizing the social sciences and education, this review looks for best practices in both motivation and methodology. Selection decisions receive particular focus. Lack of correlation between methods is indicative of the complexity of the topic and the need for judgment in design and use. (Author)

Discussion of the use of citation indexes for faculty evaluation focuses on potential inequities such as uneven coverage in the discipline of education. Examines Social Sciences Citation Index; and compares its journal selection process with other educational indexing services, including ERIC. (LRW)