Abstract
Although co-citation cluster analysis, a technique based on counting the occurrences of pairs of references in the reference lists of scientific publications, has been used in recent years as a means of measuring science, the statistical instability of the resulting cluster structures seems not to have been properly appreciated. The statistical aspects of co-citation cluster analysis were investigated, using a computer simulation technique. The results illustrate the utility of the method and, by comparison with a co-citation cluster analysis of the Science Citation Index data, reveal some serious problems suggesting that the results of co-citation cluster analyses cannot be taken seriously as evidence relevant to the formulation of resarch policy.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Handbook of Quantitative Studies of Science and Technology
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
