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Informetric studies using databases: Opportunities and challenges

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  • William W. Hood

    (The University of New South Wales)

  • Concepción S. Wilson

    (The University of New South Wales)

Abstract

Since their arrival in the 1960s, electronic databases have been an invaluable tool for informetricians. Databases and their delivery mechanism have provided both the source of raw data, as well as the analytical tools for many informetric studies. In particular, the citation databases produced by the Institute for Scientific Information have been the key source of data for a whole range of citation-based research. However, there are also many problems and challenges associated with the use of online databases. Most of the problems arise because databases are designed primarily for information retrieval purposes, and informetric studies represent only a secondary use of the systems. The sorts of problems encountered by informetricians include: errors or inconsistency in the data itself; problems with the coverage, overlap and changeability of the databases; as well as problems and limitations in the tools provided by the database hosts such as DIALOG. For some informetric studies, the only viable solution to these problems is to download the data and perform offline correction and data analysis.

Suggested Citation

  • William W. Hood & Concepción S. Wilson, 2003. "Informetric studies using databases: Opportunities and challenges," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 58(3), pages 587-608, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:scient:v:58:y:2003:i:3:d:10.1023_b:scie.0000006882.47115.c6
    DOI: 10.1023/B:SCIE.0000006882.47115.c6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    6. William W. Hood & Concepción S. Wilson, 2002. "Analysis of the fuzzy set literature using phrases," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 54(1), pages 103-118, April.
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    6. Mallig, Nicolai, 2010. "A relational database for bibliometric analysis," Discussion Papers "Innovation Systems and Policy Analysis" 22, Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research (ISI).
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    12. Schultz, Carsten & Schreyoegg, Jonas & von Reitzenstein, Constantin, 2013. "The moderating role of internal and external resources on the performance effect of multitasking: Evidence from the R&D performance of surgeons," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 42(8), pages 1356-1365.
    13. José Álvarez-García & Amador Durán-Sánchez & María de la Cruz Del Río-Rama & Diego Fernando García-Vélez, 2018. "Active Ageing: Mapping of Scientific Coverage," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-21, December.
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    18. Yu, Hairong & Davis, Mari & Wilson, Concepción S. & Cole, Fletcher T.H., 2008. "Object-relational data modelling for informetric databases," Journal of Informetrics, Elsevier, vol. 2(3), pages 240-251.
    19. Mohamed Rafik Noor Mohamed Qureshi, 2022. "A Bibliometric Analysis of Third-Party Logistics Services Providers (3PLSP) Selection for Supply Chain Strategic Advantage," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-25, September.
    20. Fernanda Morillo & Javier Aparicio & Borja González-Albo & Luz Moreno, 2013. "Towards the automation of address identification," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 94(1), pages 207-224, January.

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