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Exploratory Bibliometrics: Using VOSviewer as a Preliminary Research Tool

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  • Andrew Kirby

    (Social and Behavioral Sciences, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ 85069-7100, USA)

Abstract

This paper explores ways in which open access bibliometric software can be used to undertake exploratory research and to generate new avenues of inquiry. It takes as its focus VOSviewer, a freely available software package used to construct and display bibliometric relationships between a variety of variables. Beginning with published examples, the paper proceeds to create an original case study using bibliometrics to explore the extent to which the field of remote sensing is contributing to the implementation of sustainable development goals. This example uses Scopus data and VOSviewer to examine and contrast co-occurrence data among publications in six journals, and it demonstrates how such software can be successfully used to undertake preliminary studies and to shape subsequent research which employs more formal approaches.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrew Kirby, 2023. "Exploratory Bibliometrics: Using VOSviewer as a Preliminary Research Tool," Publications, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-14, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jpubli:v:11:y:2023:i:1:p:10-:d:1074067
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gricelda Herrera-Franco & Néstor Montalván-Burbano & Carlos Mora-Frank & Lady Bravo-Montero, 2021. "Scientific Research in Ecuador: A Bibliometric Analysis," Publications, MDPI, vol. 9(4), pages 1-34, December.
    2. Catarina Sobreira & Joyce K. Klu & Christian Cole & Niamh Nic Daéid & Hervé Ménard, 2020. "Reviewing Research Trends—A Scientometric Approach Using Gunshot Residue (GSR) Literature as an Example," Publications, MDPI, vol. 8(1), pages 1-17, February.
    3. Rachel Einecker & Andrew Kirby, 2020. "Climate Change: A Bibliometric Study of Adaptation, Mitigation and Resilience," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(17), pages 1-16, August.
    4. Loet Leydesdorff, 2006. "Can scientific journals be classified in terms of aggregated journal‐journal citation relations using the Journal Citation Reports?," Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, Association for Information Science & Technology, vol. 57(5), pages 601-613, March.
    5. Nees Jan van Eck & Ludo Waltman & Rommert Dekker & Jan van den Berg, 2010. "A comparison of two techniques for bibliometric mapping: Multidimensional scaling and VOS," Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, Association for Information Science & Technology, vol. 61(12), pages 2405-2416, December.
    6. Mauro G. Carta & Matthias C. Angermeyer & Silvano Tagliagambe, 2021. "The Trend of Scientific Productivity of Chinese, European Union, and United States Universities and Private Companies: Does the Future Belong to E-Technology Companies?," Publications, MDPI, vol. 9(2), pages 1-14, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Pawinee Iamtrakul & Sararad Chayphong & Derlie Mateo-Babiano, 2023. "The Transition of Land Use and Road Safety Studies: A Systematic Literature Review (2000–2021)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-20, May.
    2. Marian Oliński & Krzysztof Krukowski & Kacper Sieciński, 2024. "Bibliometric Overview of ChatGPT: New Perspectives in Social Sciences," Publications, MDPI, vol. 12(1), pages 1-16, March.

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