Developing Indicators to Assess the Quality of Research Papers in Humanities Using the Merton's Norms

The aim of the present study is to develop indicators for the evaluation of quality of research papers. Due to the nature and aims of the research، the research method was mixed method. We used 35 evaluation forms of theprestigiousnational and international journals in social sciences، and 7 experts and scholars in the relevant disciplines norms as the framework (population) of the study. The selection was based on purposive sampling method. To extract normative component and identify deficiency in the evaluatuion forms we developed a checklist، and conducted a semi-structured interview with experts. Descriptive statistical methods،including frequency and percentage frequency of occurrences were used to analyze the data. Results showed the inconformity of the evaluation forms with the norms of science. by comparing the indicators of evaluation worksheet and component of Merton، the final checklist of 48 statements and 4 option was made and accreditation by experts the final form was achieved.