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Patterns of dissertation dissemination: publication-based outcomes of doctoral theses in the social sciences

Author

Listed:
  • Anastasiya-Mariya Asanov

    (INCHER, University of Kassel)

  • Igor Asanov

    (INCHER, University of Kassel)

  • Guido Buenstorf

    (INCHER, University of Kassel)

  • Valon Kadriu

    (INCHER, University of Kassel)

  • Pia Schoch

    (INCHER, University of Kassel)

Abstract

Dissemination of knowledge through the publication of findings is a cornerstone of the academic research system. Doctoral dissertations document the findings made by early-stage researchers during their doctoral studies. However, prior research suggests that dissertations may not be effective in disseminating these findings to the broader community of researchers. We study how knowledge documented in doctoral dissertations is disseminated. Specifically, we investigate which dissertation characteristics and institutional factors are related to the number of journal publications based on these dissertations and the number of citations that these publications receive. Our analysis uses a random sample of doctoral dissertations from German universities in economics, political science, and sociology. We find that “cumulative” dissertations—dissertations consisting of a number of separate articles—are turned into three times more publications which receive three times more citations than monographic dissertations. We also find explorative evidence that dissertations written in English and empirical dissertations have higher publication-based outcomes. We conclude that a policy allowing doctoral candidates to write their dissertations in a cumulative format provides them with an opportunity to share the results of their research through publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Suggested Citation

  • Anastasiya-Mariya Asanov & Igor Asanov & Guido Buenstorf & Valon Kadriu & Pia Schoch, 2024. "Patterns of dissertation dissemination: publication-based outcomes of doctoral theses in the social sciences," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 129(4), pages 2389-2405, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:scient:v:129:y:2024:i:4:d:10.1007_s11192-024-04952-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s11192-024-04952-1
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    1. Asanov, Anastasiya-Mariya & Asanov, Igor & Buenstorf, Guido & Kadriu, Valon & Schoch, Pia, 2025. "The Origins of Reporting Bias: Selective but Unbiased Reporting by Early-Career Researchers?," I4R Discussion Paper Series 225, The Institute for Replication (I4R).
    2. Anastasiya-Mariya Asanov & Igor Asanov & Guido Buenstorf & Valon Kadriu & Pia Schoch, 2025. "The Origins of Reporting Bias: Selective but Unbiased Reporting by Early-Career Researchers?," MAGKS Papers on Economics 202504, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Faculty of Business Administration and Economics, Department of Economics (Volkswirtschaftliche Abteilung).

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