The knowledge trajectory and thematic evolution of the rough sets research: A main path and scientific mapping analysis

Abstract

Rough sets (RS) are a set of theories that explore the expression, learning, and induction of incomplete data and inaccurate knowledge. Given the high profile and influence of RS research in the academic world, it is crucial to investigate and summarize the field’s development status and knowledge structure. This study employs the main path analysis (MPA) and scientific mapping methods to analyze 2803 retrieved papers and explore the knowledge diffusion and topic evolution in the RS field. The findings suggest that the RS field initially focused on practical applications before transitioning to extended research as the mainstream direction. Two main methods for RS extension research emerged: the constructional method and algebraic (axiomatic) method. Key research topics include neighborhood-based RS, decision-theoretic RS, and covering RS. Scientific mapping reveals six thematic areas across three stages, highlighting the theme distribution and evolution in the RS field. Overall, this paper provides insights into the knowledge structure and conceptual evolution of the RS field by tracing the trajectory of knowledge development and the thematic evolution.