The Correlation of Nature and Leiden Index Ranking Systems with Times and QS

The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between universities scores in Leiden and Nature index as two simple ranking systems based on bibliometrics with two complex systems, Times and QS.

 Using a documentary research method, the present study investigates an available sample consisted of the top universities commonly ranked in Leiden, Nature index, Times and QS university ranking systems during 2012-2017. Spearman's correlation analysis was used to identify the statistical relationship between the results of these systems.

 The findings showed significant and positive statistical correlations between university scores in Leiden and Nature index on the one hand and those of Times and QS ranking systems on the other hand. However, the results of the Nature Index and Leiden ranking system showed to be more strongly correlated with Times’ than with QS’.

Conclustion: 

There exist degrees of alignment between the results of the simple and complex university ranking systems, brought about by their similarities in dimensions and indicators, especially in those related to research productivity. However, the associations are not so strong to lead to identical ranking results.