Assessing micro-level effects of macro-level interventions: a comparison between perceived evaluation pressure and scientific productivity in History

In this paper we assess the perceptions of five members from two very prestigious Spanish university departments in History regarding the effects of the research evaluation system upon their publication strategies and practices. We contrast their individual statements and perceptions with their actual publication productivity. We thus contrast individual perceptions regarding the effects of macro-intenventions with the actual micro-level observable affect. In this exploratory analysis focused on five highly productive Historians we do not find clear correspondance between individual perceptions and statements and actual individual productivity.