Frandsen TF, Rousseau R, Rowlands I "Diffusion factors " JOURNAL OF DOCUMENTATION 62 (1): 58-72 2006

[Eugene Garfield]

E-mail: kk02fa at db.dk

Title: Diffusion factors

Author : Frandsen TF, Rousseau R, Rowlands I

Source: JOURNAL OF DOCUMENTATION 62 (1): 58-72 2006

Document Type: Article
Language: English
Cited References: 16      Times Cited: 0

Abstract:
Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to clarify earlier work on journal
diffusion metrics. Classical journal indicators such as the Garfield
impact factor do not measure the breadth of influence across the
literature of a particular journal title. As a new approach to measuring
research influence, the study complements these existing metrics with a
series of formally described diffusion factors.
Design/methodology/approach - Using a publication-citation matrix as an
organising construct, the paper develops formal descriptions of two forms
of diffusion metric: "relative diffusion factors" and "journal diffusion
factors" in both their synchronous and diachronous forms. It also provides
worked examples for selected library and information science and economics
journals, plus a sample of health information papers to illustrate their
construction and use.

Findings - Diffusion factors capture different aspects of the citation
reception process than existing bibliometric measures. The paper shows
that diffusion factors can be applied at the whole journal level or for
sets of articles and that they provide a richer evidence base for citation
analyses than traditional measures alone.

Research limitations/implications - The focus of this paper is on
clarifying the concepts underlying diffusion factors and there is
unlimited scope for further work to apply these metrics to much larger and
more comprehensive data sets than has been attempted here.

Practical implications - These new tools extend the range of tools
available for bibliometric, and possibly webometric, analysis. Diffusion
factors might find particular application in studies where the research
questions focus on the dynamic aspects of innovation and knowledge
transfer.

Originality/value - This paper will be of interest to those with
theoretical interests in informetric distributions as well as those
interested in science policy and innovation studies.


Addresses: Frandsen TF (reprint author), Royal Sch Lib & Informat Sci,
Copenhagen, Denmark
Royal Sch Lib & Informat Sci, Copenhagen, Denmark
KHBO, Ind Sci & Technol, Oostende, Belgium
City Univ London, Dept Informat Sci, London, EC1V 0HB England
E-mail Addresses: ir at soi.city.ac.uk
Publisher: EMERALD GROUP PUBLISHING LIMITED, 60/62 TOLLER LANE, BRADFORD
BD8 9BY, W YORKSHIRE, ENGLAND
Subject Category: COMPUTER SCIENCE, INFORMATION SYSTEMS; INFORMATION
SCIENCE & LIBRARY SCIENCE
IDS Number: 022LE

ISSN: 0022-0418

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