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A few notes on main path analysis

Author

Listed:
  • John S. Liu

    (National Taiwan University of Science and Technology)

  • Louis Y. Y. Lu

    (Yuan Ze University)

  • Mei Hsiu-Ching Ho

    (National Taiwan University of Science and Technology)

Abstract

The last few years have seen a growing interest in main path analysis among scholars across a wide spectrum of disciplines. Hummon and Doreian first introduced this method, and it has since become an effective technique for mapping technological trajectories, exploring scientific knowledge flows, and conducting literature reviews. Nevertheless, there are issues not broadly discussed in applying the method, including the handling of citation data, choosing a proper traversal weight scheme, search options, and interpretation of the resulting paths. This note aims to deepen the discussions and concludes with several suggestions and strategies in applying main path analysis.

Suggested Citation

  • John S. Liu & Louis Y. Y. Lu & Mei Hsiu-Ching Ho, 2019. "A few notes on main path analysis," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 119(1), pages 379-391, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:scient:v:119:y:2019:i:1:d:10.1007_s11192-019-03034-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s11192-019-03034-x
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    6. Chung-Huei Kuan, 2020. "Regarding weight assignment algorithms of main path analysis and the conversion of arc weights to node weights," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 124(1), pages 775-782, July.
    7. Kuang-Sheng Liu & Ming-Hung Lin, 2021. "Performance Assessment on the Application of Artificial Intelligence to Sustainable Supply Chain Management in the Construction Material Industry," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(22), pages 1-15, November.
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    9. Flavia Filippin, 2021. "Do main paths reflect technological trajectories? Applying main path analysis to the semiconductor manufacturing industry," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 126(8), pages 6443-6477, August.
    10. Alessandri, Enrico, 2023. "Identifying technological trajectories in the mining sector using patent citation networks," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 80(C).
    11. Jakob Hoffmann & Johannes Glückler, 2023. "Technological Cohesion and Convergence: A Main Path Analysis of the Bioeconomy, 1900–2020," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-17, August.
    12. Abderahman Rejeb & Alireza Abdollahi & Karim Rejeb & Mohamed M. Mostafa, 2023. "Tracing knowledge evolution flows in scholarly restaurant research: a main path analysis," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 57(3), pages 2183-2209, June.
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    20. Dejian Yu & Libo Sheng, 2020. "Knowledge diffusion paths of blockchain domain: the main path analysis," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 125(1), pages 471-497, October.
    21. Bhatt, Priyanka C. & Lai, Kuei-Kuei & Drave, Vinayak A. & Lu, Tzu-Chuen & Kumar, Vimal, 2023. "Patent analysis based technology innovation assessment with the lens of disruptive innovation theory: A case of blockchain technological trajectories," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 196(C).
    22. Song-Chia Hsu & Kai-Ying Chen & Chih-Ping Lin & Wei-Hao Su, 2022. "Knowledge Development Trajectories of Crime Prevention Domain: An Academic Study Based on Citation and Main Path Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-20, August.

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