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A mathematical approach to assess research diversity: operationalization and applicability in communication sciences, political science, and beyond

Author

Listed:
  • Manuel Goyanes

    (Carlos III University
    University of Salamanca)

  • Márton Demeter

    (National University of Public Service)

  • Aurea Grané

    (Universidad Carlos III de Madrid)

  • Irene Albarrán-Lozano

    (Universidad Carlos III de Madrid)

  • Homero Gil de Zúñiga

    (University of Salamanca
    Pennsylvania State University
    Universidad Diego Portales)

Abstract

With today’s research production and global dissemination, there is growing pressure to assess how academic fields foster diversity. Based on a mathematical problem/solve scheme, the aim of this study is twofold. First, the paper elaborates on how research diversity in scientific fields can be empirically gauged, proposing six working definitions. Second, drawing on these theoretical explanations, we introduce an original methodological protocol for research diversity evaluation. Third, the study puts this mathematical model to an empirical test by comparatively evaluating (1) communication research diversity in 2017, with respect to field’s diversity in 1997, and (2) communication research and political science diversity in 2017. Our results indicate that, contrasted to pattern diversity, communication research in 2017 is not a diverse field. However, throughout the years (1997–2017), there is a statistically significant improvement. Finally, the cross-comparison examination between political and communication sciences reveals the latter to be significantly more diverse.

Suggested Citation

  • Manuel Goyanes & Márton Demeter & Aurea Grané & Irene Albarrán-Lozano & Homero Gil de Zúñiga, 2020. "A mathematical approach to assess research diversity: operationalization and applicability in communication sciences, political science, and beyond," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 125(3), pages 2299-2322, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:scient:v:125:y:2020:i:3:d:10.1007_s11192-020-03680-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s11192-020-03680-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Manuel Goyanes & Márton Demeter & Zicheng Cheng & Homero Gil Zúñiga, 2022. "Measuring publication diversity among the most productive scholars: how research trajectories differ in communication, psychology, and political science," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 127(6), pages 3661-3682, June.
    3. Rüdiger Mutz, 2022. "Diversity and interdisciplinarity: Should variety, balance and disparity be combined as a product or better as a sum? An information-theoretical and statistical estimation approach," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 127(12), pages 7397-7414, December.

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