What is one use of altmetrics in research?

Altmetrics serve as a valuable tool for understanding the broader impact of research, particularly its influence on the general public. Unlike traditional metrics that often focus on citation counts within academic literature, altmetrics consider diverse sources such as social media mentions, blog posts, news articles, and other online interactions. This broader perspective allows researchers to gauge how their work resonates outside of academic circles, including its engagement with policymakers, practitioners, and the public, which is essential for promoting research uptake and impact in society.

The other options do not capture the primary function of altmetrics effectively. For instance, suggesting that altmetrics could replace traditional metrics entirely overlooks the complementary role they play in providing different kinds of insights about research impact. Claiming that altmetrics quantify the exact number of downloads misrepresents their purpose, as they focus on a range of online engagement metrics rather than precise download statistics. Lastly, stating that altmetrics only focus on journal citations contrasts sharply with their broader scope, which extends well beyond traditional citation measures.