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An entropy-based measure for the evolution of h index research

Author

Listed:
  • Deming Lin

    (Dalian University of Technology)

  • Tianhui Gong

    (University of Kent)

  • Wenbin Liu

    (Beijing Normal University
    BNU-HKBU United International College
    University of Kent)

  • Martin Meyer

    (University of Aberdeen)

Abstract

The h index has been comprehensively developed and diffusely applied following its initial proposal in 2005 by Jorge Hirsch. However, while the numbers of papers and authors measured continue to grow, it is not known whether such increases in quantity mean that the research itself is advancing. Accordingly, the present study sets out to establish an analysis method, based on the concept of entropy, with which to elucidate the evolution of the h index. The results suggest that there are four stages, as follows: the emerging stage, the preliminary growth stage, the real growth stage, and the maturity stage. Meanwhile, the research of the h index is found to be in flux, and it is concluded that further development of the metric will require profound theoretical achievements as well as embedded innovation, or else the evolution of the h index will decline following a shortened maturity stage.

Suggested Citation

  • Deming Lin & Tianhui Gong & Wenbin Liu & Martin Meyer, 2020. "An entropy-based measure for the evolution of h index research," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 125(3), pages 2283-2298, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:scient:v:125:y:2020:i:3:d:10.1007_s11192-020-03712-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s11192-020-03712-1
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