Mapping Modern Science Using Co-citation Analysis

  • Authors:
  • Ayaka SAKA;Masatsura IGAMI

  • Affiliations:
  • National Institution of Science and Technology Policy (NISTEP);National Institution of Science and Technology Policy (OECD)

  • Venue:
  • IV '07 Proceedings of the 11th International Conference Information Visualization
  • Year:
  • 2007

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Abstract

Bibliometric analysis is used as a measuring activity technique for basic research. There are many country level analyses of trends in scientific publications. These analyses give us an understanding of the macro-scale character of scientific activities. However, it is difficult to capture the qualitative evolution of scientific activities through them. In this regard, a meso-scale analysis of science activities, i.e., analysis of "research areas", is suitable for grasping qualitative changes in scientific activities. In this study, we develop a new method for mapping science at the research area level. Our method consists of two parts: constructing research areas from scientific publications and content analysis by experts. Research areas are explored through a co-citation analysis, and a map of science was generated to analyze how research areas relate to each other. This method contributes to endeavours to understand and track the changing nature of science.