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Citation analysis of Ph.D. theses with data from Scopus and Google Books

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  • Paul Donner

    (Deutsches Zentrum für Hochschul- und Wissenschaftsforschung)

Abstract

This study investigates the potential of citation analysis of Ph.D. theses to obtain valid and useful early career performance indicators at the level of university departments. For German theses from 1996 to 2018 the suitability of citation data from Scopus and Google Books is studied and found to be sufficient to obtain quantitative estimates of early career researchers’ performance at departmental level in terms of scientific recognition and use of their dissertations as reflected in citations. Scopus and Google Books citations complement each other and have little overlap. Individual theses’ citation counts are much higher for those awarded a dissertation award than others. Departmental level estimates of citation impact agree reasonably well with panel committee peer review ratings of early career researcher support.

Suggested Citation

  • Paul Donner, 2021. "Citation analysis of Ph.D. theses with data from Scopus and Google Books," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 126(12), pages 9431-9456, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:scient:v:126:y:2021:i:12:d:10.1007_s11192-021-04173-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s11192-021-04173-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Paul Donner, 2022. "Algorithmic identification of Ph.D. thesis-related publications: a proof-of-concept study," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 127(10), pages 5863-5877, October.
    2. Meijun Liu & Sijie Yang & Yi Bu & Ning Zhang, 2023. "Female early-career scientists have conducted less interdisciplinary research in the past six decades: evidence from doctoral theses," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-16, December.

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