SCIENTOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF THE TOPICAL CONTENT OF SCIENTIFIC-RESEARCH AND ITS PARTICULARITIES

A new method for quantitative evaluation of the topical content of scientific research is proposed. The method is based on the analysis of the number and topic of publications in different fields. A mathematical model, describing the connection between level and width of research, between topic renewal and concentration of research is developed. Furthermore, coefficients characterizing various aspects of research are introduced. The theoretical conclusions fit well the factual data obtained from the INIS system. A nucleus of terms defining the most developed directions of research is found in each case. The analysis indicates that the growth rate of publications cannot serve as a reliable criterion of research topicality. © 1990 Akadémiai Kiadó.