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Mapping the Use of Bibliometric Software and Methodological Transparency in Literature Review Studies: A Comparative Analysis of China-Affiliated and Non-China-Affiliated Research Communities (2015–2024)

Author

Listed:
  • Altyeb Ali Abaker Omer

    (School of Tea and Coffee, Puer University, Puer 665000, China
    Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Digital Conservation and Germplasm Innovation and Application of China-Laos Tea Resources, Puer University, Puer 665000, China)

  • Yajie Dong

    (School of Tea and Coffee, Puer University, Puer 665000, China
    Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Digital Conservation and Germplasm Innovation and Application of China-Laos Tea Resources, Puer University, Puer 665000, China)

Abstract

The growing use of bibliometric methods in literature reviews has intensified concerns about methodological transparency and consistency. This study compares English-language reviews authored by China-affiliated and non-China-affiliated researchers between 2015 and 2024. Through bibliometric content analysis and co-word network mapping, it evaluates the following: (1) the use and purposes of bibliometric software; (2) the clarity of methodological reporting, including software versions, threshold settings, data preprocessing, and database selection; (3) the extent to which limitations are acknowledged and recommendations proposed; and (4) the dominant conceptual themes shaping research practices. The analysis covers 50 highly cited reviews (25 per group) and 4000 additional papers for thematic mapping. Findings show both convergence and divergence: while tools such as VOSviewer, CiteSpace, Gephi, and Bibliometrix are widely adopted, non-China-affiliated studies exhibit greater transparency and reflexivity, whereas China-affiliated research often emphasizes output metrics and underreports methodological challenges. These contrasts reflect broader epistemological norms and research cultures. This study underscores the need for unified reporting standards and contributes to meta-research by offering practical guidance to improve the transparency, comparability, and rigor of bibliometric-supported literature reviews.

Suggested Citation

  • Altyeb Ali Abaker Omer & Yajie Dong, 2025. "Mapping the Use of Bibliometric Software and Methodological Transparency in Literature Review Studies: A Comparative Analysis of China-Affiliated and Non-China-Affiliated Research Communities (2015–2024)," Publications, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-32, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jpubli:v:13:y:2025:i:3:p:40-:d:1741098
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chaomei Chen, 2006. "CiteSpace II: Detecting and visualizing emerging trends and transient patterns in scientific literature," Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, Association for Information Science & Technology, vol. 57(3), pages 359-377, February.
    2. Altyeb Ali Abaker Omer & Fangxin Zhang & Ming Li & Xinyu Zhang & Feng Zhao & Wenhui Ma & Wen Liu, 2025. "Understanding Trends, Influences, Intellectual Structures, and Future Directions in Agrivoltaic Systems Research: A Bibliometric and Thematic Analysis," World, MDPI, vol. 6(1), pages 1-36, January.
    3. Waltman, Ludo & van Eck, Nees Jan, 2015. "Field-normalized citation impact indicators and the choice of an appropriate counting method," Journal of Informetrics, Elsevier, vol. 9(4), pages 872-894.
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