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Temporal evolution of multi-author papers in basic sciences from 1960 to 2010

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  • Ding-wei Huang

    (Chung Yuan Christian University)

Abstract

This work studies the trends of co-author numbers in Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics, from 1960 to 2010. Journal data are analyzed to show the common trends across the disciplines. The single-author papers decline continuously over the years. The multi-author papers rise and fall following one another in succession. The data suggest that small-group collaborations in different disciplines go through the same stages at different times. Besides the common trends, the dramatic growth of the co-author number in Physics after 1990 is also discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Ding-wei Huang, 2015. "Temporal evolution of multi-author papers in basic sciences from 1960 to 2010," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 105(3), pages 2137-2147, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:scient:v:105:y:2015:i:3:d:10.1007_s11192-015-1760-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s11192-015-1760-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Helmut A. Abt, 2007. "The future of single-authored papers," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 73(3), pages 353-358, December.
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    Cited by:

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