A study of scientific production in the field of Social psychology in Web of Science (1990-2009): Mapping the historical Structure

Subject Areas : Journal of Knowledge Studies

fahimeh abasi ¹ , Vahide Aslaninia ² , Mohammad Hossein Biglu ³

1 - MSc. of Medical Library and Information Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences
2 - Faculty Member of University College of Nabi Akram
3 - Assistant Professor of Medical Information Sciences & Technology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences

Received: 2013-10-05 Accepted : 2014-02-05 Published : 2014-05-22

Keywords: Scientometrics, Web of Science Database, social psychology, Citation, Structure of Science,

Abstract :

Objective: Social psychology is a branch of psychology and sociology that studies the scientific aspect of various social phenomena as well as the related aspects of social life. This study aims to determine the relationship of a person in a group and how a person's behavior, thoughts, and feelings are influenced by group and vice versa. Methodology: With understanding the standing out of scientific activities in the field of social psychology, we can set up a comprehensive representation of scientists and researchers in the field and to identify the strengths and weaknesses of previous investigations. A descriptive-analytical method by using scientometrics indicators was recruited to analyze the productive activity of countries in the field of social psychology during a period of 20 years (1990-2009). We used the trial version of Hist-Cite software to map the historical Structure of Scientific Output in the field of social psychology through the period of study. Findings:  Analysis of data showed that there has been a gently rise in producing scientific production in the field through the period of study. More than 97% of publications were in English. USA, England and Canada were the most prolific countries in the subject area. The University of Michigan، Texas و Calif. Los Angeles were the most productive universities. Conclusion: Mapping the historical Structure of scientific publications in the subject area indicated that there have been formed 3 major clusters in Local Citation Scale (LCS) and 4 major clusters in Global Citation Scale (LCS).

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