Runco, MA; Kaufman, JC; Halladay, LR; Cole, JC. 2010. Change in Reputation as an Index of Genius and Eminence. HISTORICAL METHODS 43 (2): 91-96

[Eugene Garfield]

Runco, MA; Kaufman, JC; Halladay, LR; Cole, JC. 2010. Change in Reputation as 
an Index of Genius and Eminence. HISTORICAL METHODS 43 (2): 91-96..

Author Full Name(s): Runco, Mark A.; Kaufman, James C.; Halladay, Lindsay R.; 
Cole, Jason C.
Language: English
Document Type: Article
Author Keywords: eminence; genius; presentism; reputation; reputational 
paths; Whiggist bias

Abstract: Many previous investigations have relied on entries in encyclopedias 
or similar sources (e.g., Who's Who) to quantify eminence and achievement. 
The premises in these earlier studies have been that eminence is a function of 
reputation and that reputation is accurately captured by encyclopedias and the 
like. In this article, the authors examine reputational changes from era to era. 
They expected that a comparison of encyclopedias from different eras would 
show significant changes, with some eminent persons having reputations (or at 
least biographical entries) that increase, some having reputations that 
decrease, and others having stable reputations. Can such change (or stability) 
be reliably assessed and predicted? To address these questions, encyclopedia 
entry length from 1911 was compared to encyclopedia entry length from 2002, 
using 1,004 individuals selected in a previous biographical study. Regression 
analysis indicates that biographical entries did in fact change significantly. The 
authors also explore implications for definitions of eminence and for the 
quantification of reputation.

Addresses: [Runco, Mark A.] Univ Georgia, Torrance Creat Ctr, Athens, GA 
30602 USA; [Kaufman, James C.] Calif State Univ San Bernardino, Learning Res 
Inst, San Bernardino, CA 92407 USA; [Halladay, Lindsay R.] Univ Calif Los 
Angeles, Dept Psychol, Los Angeles, CA 90024 USA; [Cole, Jason C.] Consulting 
Measurement Grp, Torrance, CA USA

Reprint Address: Runco, MA, Univ Georgia, Torrance Ctr, Aderhold Hall, Athens, 
GA 30602 USA.

E-mail Address: runco at uga.edu
ISSN: 0161-5440
DOI: 10.1080/01615440903270273
fulltext: http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/section?
content=a924034381&fulltext=713240928