Jasienski, M (Jasienski, Michal) Garfield's demon and "surprising" or "unexpected" results in science SCIENTOMETRICS, 78 (2): 347-353 FEB 2009

[Eugene Garfield]

E-mail Address: jasienski at post.harvard.edu

Author(s): Jasienski, M (Jasienski, Michal) 

Title: Garfield's demon and "surprising" or "unexpected" results in 
science 

Source: SCIENTOMETRICS, 78 (2): 347-353 FEB 2009 

Language: English 

Document Type: Article 

KeyWords Plus: CHALLENGE; DISCOVERY; INDEX; MEDIA 

Abstract: The relative occurrence of the words "surprising" 
and "unexpected" in the titles of scientific papers was 11 times more 
common in 2001-2005 than in 1900-1955. However, papers which had titles 
containing one of these words did not receive enhanced numbers of 
citations. Both words (and also adjectives "unusual" and "unfortunately") 
are used significantly more frequently in science than in social sciences 
and humanities. The distribution of the statements of surprise is not 
random in scientific literature (chemistry journals ranked highest in the 
number of papers claiming "surprising" or "unexpected" results) and may 
reflect the level of maturity of a discipline. 

Addresses: Natl Louis Univ, Nowy Sacz Business Sch, PL-33300 Nowy Sacz, 
Poland 

Reprint Address: Jasienski, M, Natl Louis Univ, Nowy Sacz Business Sch, 
Zielona 27, PL-33300 Nowy Sacz, Poland.
 
E-mail Address: jasienski at post.harvard.edu 

Cited Reference Count: 23 

Times Cited: 0 

Publisher: SPRINGER 

Publisher Address: VAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS 

ISSN: 0138-9130 

DOI: 10.1007/s11192-007-1979-2 

29-char Source Abbrev.: SCIENTOMETRICS 

ISO Source Abbrev.: Scientometrics 

Source Item Page Count: 7 

Subject Category: Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications; 
Information Science & Library Science 

ISI Document Delivery No.: 397UD 

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