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Dynamics of a scientific field analysed by co-subfield structures

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Abstract

This paper discusses the possibility to represent scientific development by ‘second-order networks’ in different modalities. In particular, a specific modality structured by subfield-to-subfield relations is presented. By constructing such ‘co-subfield maps’ for successive periods of time, we were able to describe the changing subfield relations within the field of chemical engineering. In this way, dynamical processes in the development of a field as a whole can be revealed. Advantages and disavantages as compared to co-citation and co-word mapping techniques are discussed and the importance of developing combined techniques is stressed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Science Studies Unit, LISBON-Institute, University of Leiden, Stationsplein 242, 2312 AR, Leiden, The Netherlands

    A. F. J. Van Raan & H. P. F. Peters

Authors
  1. A. F. J. Van Raan
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  2. H. P. F. Peters
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Van Raan, A.F.J., Peters, H.P.F. Dynamics of a scientific field analysed by co-subfield structures. Scientometrics 15, 607–620 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02017073

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