A Longitudinal Analysis of University Rankings
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In this paper the ARWU, THE and QS global university rankings are studied. After a description of the ranking methodologies, it is shown that university rankings are stable over time but that there is variation between the three rankings. Furthermore, using Principal Component Analysis and Exploratory Factor Analysis, we show that the variables used to construct the rankings primarily measure two underlying factors: a universities reputation and its research output. By correlating these factors and plotting regional aggregates of universities against them, differences between the rankings are made visible. Last, we elaborate how the results from these analysis can be viewed in light of often voiced critiques of the ranking process. This indicates that the variables used by the rankings might not capture the concepts they claim to measure. This study provides evidence of the ambiguous nature of university ranking's quantification of university performance.
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