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Non-linearity between referencing behavior and citation impact: A large-scale, discipline-level analysis

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  • Liu, Jialin
  • Chen, Hongkan
  • Liu, Zhibo
  • Bu, Yi
  • Gu, Weiye

Abstract

References formulate the foundation and endorsements of scientific research. Using articles published in 2005 covered by Microsoft Academic Graph, the current paper defines and calculates five indicators of references, i.e., the number of references, the number of citations of references, the age of references, the number of nodes in a reference cascade (a multi-generation reference network), and the density of bibliographic coupling networks by references, and investigates their relations with the citation impact of the focal publication. A non-linear relationship is shown in all the five indicators; specifically, we observe two types of patterns, namely inverted-L and -U relations, both presenting the existence of critical points. We further explore the discipline-level differences of such a relationship and how it relates to the characteristics of the discipline itself. Among all five indicators, the effect of disciplinary academic “environments” is universally identified. We believe that the current paper provides insightful views to the discussion regarding the significance of a reference list.

Suggested Citation

  • Liu, Jialin & Chen, Hongkan & Liu, Zhibo & Bu, Yi & Gu, Weiye, 2022. "Non-linearity between referencing behavior and citation impact: A large-scale, discipline-level analysis," Journal of Informetrics, Elsevier, vol. 16(3).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:infome:v:16:y:2022:i:3:s1751157722000700
    DOI: 10.1016/j.joi.2022.101318
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