Abstract: The following research aims to provide an explanation and detailed analysis of the impact factor. It has evolved to become one of the most influential tools in modern research and academia, although the use of it has provoked strongly mixed reactions among investigators and academic researchers. Additionally, the research aims to help young scientists, PhD students and professors in understanding and implementing the impact factor in their academic work when it comes to generating credible academic and scientific papers and books.

Key words: impact factor, meaning of impact factor, academic publications, scientific publications, scientific research.
Rhetoric and Communications E-journal, Issue 25, November 2016, rhetoric.bg/, journal.rhetoric.bg, ISSN 1314-4464
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